Supermodel Naomi Campbell has won her appeal against a five-year ban from being a charity trustee. A London tribunal ruled that the misuse of funds at the charity she founded, Fashion For Relief, had been concealed from her. Campbell founded the charity in 2005 to raise funds for humanitarian causes through runway shows. The charity was removed from the Charity Commission's register in 2024, and Campbell was banned as a trustee shortly after.
The Charity Commission found widespread financial mismanagement at Fashion For Relief, including the misuse of funds for personal expenses. In May 2018, money raised for good causes was spent on spa treatments, cigarettes, and room service when Campbell was staying at a five-star hotel near Cannes in south France. A lawyer acting as a trustee for the charity also received around £290,000 in unauthorised payments for apparent consultancy fees.
Campbell denied any knowledge of the charity funds being spent on her expenses, stating she was deceived by another trustee about the unauthorised payments. The tribunal found that Campbell was not responsible for the inappropriate use of the charity's resources or any unjustified expenditure during her 2018 hotel stay. However, the tribunal did find that Campbell shared ultimate responsibility for the charity's failure to keep proper minutes and file its accounts on time.
Despite this, the tribunal ruled that Campbell's responsibilities did not mean she was unfit to be a charity trustee. The tribunal allowed her appeal, citing "serious misconduct and mismanagement" at Fashion for Relief, but also stating that the unauthorised payments and misuse of funds were concealed from Campbell. This ruling has significant implications for Campbell's future involvement in charitable work.
Fashion For Relief was established in 2005 to raise funds for humanitarian causes through high-profile fashion events. However, the charity's activities were marred by controversy, leading to its removal from the Charity Commission's register in 2024. The Charity Commission's investigation found evidence of widespread financial mismanagement, leading to Campbell's initial ban as a trustee.
The tribunal's decision to allow Campbell's appeal may have far-reaching consequences for the charity sector. The ruling highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in charitable organisations, as well as the need for trustees to be aware of their responsibilities. Campbell's case serves as a reminder of the potential risks and challenges associated with charitable work.
The implications of the tribunal's decision are still being assessed, with neither Campbell's team nor the Charity Commission immediately commenting on the ruling. The decision may lead to further scrutiny of charitable organisations and their trustees, with a focus on ensuring that funds are used effectively and efficiently.
Key points
- Naomi Campbell was cleared of responsibility for the misuse of charity funds.
- The tribunal found that Campbell was deceived by another trustee about unauthorised payments.
- Campbell's appeal was allowed, lifting a five-year ban on her being a charity trustee.
