Naomi Campbell appeared before a tribunal in London to contest her five-year ban from serving as a charity trustee, arguing that she was misled during her involvement with the Fashion Appeal charity. The 56-year-old model, who founded the now-defunct charity, is challenging the decision following allegations of serious mismanagement of funds.

The ban was imposed in 2024 after an investigation found that Fashion Appeal’s money had been used improperly, including payments covering Campbell’s stay at a luxury hotel in Cannes, France, as well as expenses for spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes. Alongside Campbell, lawyer Bianka Hellmich and businesswoman Veronica Chou were also disqualified, receiving bans of nine and four years respectively.

Campbell told the tribunal that her primary error was placing trust in Hellmich, who she claimed had forged her signature and misrepresented her professional qualifications. She acknowledged not having conducted personal checks on Hellmich, noting, “When I’m introduced to a lawyer, I assume they are acting within the law.”

During questioning by Faisel Sadiq, representing the Charity Commission, Campbell emphasized the need for mutual respect, stating, “I’m here because I have been deceived, you are here because you have been deceived, so let’s both be respectful to each other.”

The proceedings are ongoing as the tribunal examines the evidence and testimonies related to the case.