Naomi Campbell has been deemed unfit to run a charity by the Charity Commission, which described the supermodel’s conduct as a “complete abdication” of her responsibilities as a trustee of her now-defunct Fashion for Relief project. The commission told a tribunal that Campbell was “highly culpable” for the charity’s mismanagement and misuse of funds, leading to a five-year ban on her involvement in charity governance that she is currently seeking to overturn.

Fashion for Relief, founded by Campbell in 2015, raised approximately £4.8 million through high-profile fashion events aimed at supporting anti-poverty initiatives. However, the commission’s inquiry found that only 10% of these funds reached partner organizations such as Save the Children and the Mayor’s Fund for London. The charity was wound up in March 2024 after it was declared insolvent by managers appointed by the commission.

The watchdog’s report exposed significant financial mismanagement, chaotic record-keeping, and misuse of charity funds, including thousands of pounds spent on Campbell’s use of luxury hotel rooms, flights, spa treatments, and personal items such as cigarettes. The commission emphasized that Campbell failed to exercise the oversight expected of a trustee, instead delegating financial and regulatory responsibilities to fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich without adequate supervision, despite clear signs of trouble.

Campbell’s legal team rejected the commission’s accusations, arguing she was a victim of fraud by Hellmich, who allegedly forged documents and emails to conceal financial irregularities. Counsel Andrew Westwood KC told the tribunal that Campbell made an honest mistake in entrusting Hellmich, whom she believed had the necessary expertise. He insisted Campbell did not act dishonestly or benefit personally from the charity’s activities.

In contrast, the commission’s representative, Faisel Sadiq, criticized Campbell’s conduct, highlighting her failure to fulfill trustee duties and dismissing her testimony as unreliable. Sadiq said Campbell showed no remorse or insight into her shortcomings, frequently shifting blame onto others. He maintained that Campbell remained unfit to serve as a charity trustee.

The inquiry revealed that Hellmich received £316,000 in unauthorized fees and expenses over two years—a sum she has since repaid. Both Campbell’s legal team and the commission have referred allegations of forgery and fraud involving Hellmich to the police. Hellmich has denied the claims of wrongdoing.

In addition to Hellmich’s ban from serving as a trustee for nine years, third trustee Veronica Chou was disqualified for four years. Neither Hellmich nor Chou has appealed their bans. The tribunal continues to hear submissions as Campbell seeks to overturn her disqualification.