Former supermodel Naomi Campbell has spoken out against a decision by the UK’s Charity Commission that bans her from running a charity for five years. The watchdog’s investigation uncovered “multiple instances of misconduct” in the management of Fashion for Relief, a charity Campbell founded, including allegations of misusing charity funds for personal luxuries such as a five-star hotel stay in the south of France, along with spa treatments and room service.
In a strongly-worded statement, the 54-year-old model dismissed the findings as “deeply flawed” and confirmed that she had appointed new advisers to further investigate the allegations surrounding the charity.
Naomi Campbell Takes Responsibility but Denies Day-to-Day Involvement
In her response, Campbell acknowledged her role as the public face of Fashion for Relief and accepted ultimate responsibility for the charity’s conduct. However, she stressed that she was not directly involved in the daily operations and had relied on others to handle the legal and operational aspects of the organization.
“Unfortunately, I was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the organisation, and I entrusted the legal and operational management to others,” Campbell said in a statement to the PA news agency.
Watchdog Investigation Reveals Financial Irregularities
The Charity Commission’s report, released on Thursday, revealed that from April 2016 to July 2022, only 8.5% of Fashion for Relief’s expenditures went towards grants to charitable causes. The rest of the funds were reportedly spent elsewhere, raising concerns about financial mismanagement.
As a result of the findings, Campbell and two other trustees have been disqualified from managing any charity for the next five years.
Campbell Denies Personal Gain from Charity
Despite the Charity Commission’s conclusions, Naomi Campbell firmly denied that she had ever benefited financially from Fashion for Relief. She stated that she had never been paid for her involvement nor had she charged any personal expenses to the charity.
“I have never been paid a fee for my participation in Fashion for Relief nor billed any personal expenses to the organization,” Campbell asserted in her statement.
The Legacy of Fashion for Relief
Founded in 2005, Fashion for Relief became known for its glamorous, star-studded events in cities like London and Cannes, attracting some of the biggest names in fashion and entertainment. The charity raised money for a variety of global causes, including child refugee projects, relief efforts for Ebola victims, and aid for survivors of the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Japan.
Despite the current controversy, the charity had made a notable impact through its philanthropic efforts over the years.
Future Legal Action Considered
Naomi Campbell is currently exploring her legal options and may pursue an appeal against the Charity Commission’s ruling. In her statement, she emphasized her commitment to uncovering the truth behind the allegations and ensuring transparency in her charity’s operations moving forward.
Campbell, who became the first Black model in 20 years to grace the cover of UK Vogue in 1987, remains a powerful figure in the fashion industry. While the ban has sparked public debate, Campbell continues to assert her innocence and aims to clear her name.
Conclusion
As Naomi Campbell faces a five-year ban from running a charity, the supermodel maintains her innocence and has vowed to investigate the Charity Commission’s findings. With new advisers in place, she is looking into legal options to potentially challenge the decision. Although the watchdog’s report raises questions about Fashion for Relief’s financial management, Campbell’s denial of personal gain and her commitment to philanthropy remain clear.
