For five years, well-known supermodel Naomi Campbell has been barred from serving as a trustee of her charitable Fashion for Relief. This choice followed an inquiry revealing misbehaviour with the funds of the charity.
The probe turned up evidence of money intended for charity being used for luxuries including spa treatments, pricey hotel rooms, and smokes. The UK watchdog organization Nonprofit Commission discovered improper management of the nonprofit. Only a tiny fraction of the funds, they claimed, were used for philanthropic causes.
Naomi Campbell launched Fashion for Relief in 2005 to use fashion events and shows to generate funds for different causes. But just 8.5% of the charity’s expenditure went toward grants between 2016 and 2022.
Also banned were two additional trustees, Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou. Chou was suspended for four years and Hellmich got illegal payments of £290,000.
The Charity Commission safeguarded another £98,000 and recovered £344,000. Other organizations including the Mayor’s Fund for London and Save the Children Fund will now benefit from this cash.
Naomi Campbell has not spoken on the ban yet. Though sad, supporters and fans hope the recovered money will be applied for charitable purposes.