Naomi Campbell Claims Impersonation in Fashion for Relief Charity Scandal.
Naomi Campbell, 54, has made explosive allegations, claiming that someone impersonated her with a fake email during her appeal against being banned from serving as a charity trustee. The British supermodel, who founded the charity Fashion for Relief in 2005, was removed from her position after a UK watchdog uncovered serious mismanagement of funds.
Fashion for Relief, known for hosting fundraising fashion shows to assist victims of humanitarian disasters, faced scrutiny after the Charity Commission's investigation revealed a shocking financial mismanagement. The charity spent a mere 8.5% of its funds on grants between 2016 and 2022.
The Commission's investigation also uncovered evidence of lavish spending, including a stay at a luxury Cannes hotel for Campbell, with costs for spa treatments, room service, and even cigarettes charged to the charity. This led to a five-year ban for Campbell, prohibiting her from serving as a trustee.
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In her defense, Campbell’s team argues that fraudulent emails were used to impersonate her during communications with the Charity Commission’s lawyers. “I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal employer,” Campbell explained. She added, “We are investigating to find out what and how, and everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”
Now, Campbell is taking the matter to a tribunal on February 7, 2025. She is determined to ensure accountability, saying, “I want to shine a light on how easy it is to fake identities online and prevent anybody else going through what I have been through.” Her statement further reveals her anger, stating she has “fought to uncover the facts” and the findings have been “shocking.”
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Fashion for Relief, which raised over $15 million for various charitable causes, has since been dissolved. The Charity Commission’s investigation also led to the disqualification of trustee Bianka Hellmich, who had received unauthorized payments of about £290,000 for consultancy work. Veronica Chou, another trustee, has been barred for four years.
A total of £344,000 has been recovered, and an additional £98,000 safeguarded for other charities. Despite the controversy, Campbell is focused on ensuring justice is served for all those involved in the scandal.
Fashion for Relief is a charitable organisation founded by British supermodel Naomi Campbell in 2005. The primary aim of the charity was to raise funds for humanitarian causes through fashion events, particularly high-profile fashion shows. Over the years, it hosted various fundraising events, with an emphasis on supporting those affected by disasters, poverty, and other global issues.
The first Fashion for Relief event was held to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, but the charity has since expanded its reach to include numerous other causes. These events featured the participation of renowned designers, celebrities, and models, helping to draw attention to the issues they sought to address. Notably, the charity also held events at international locations, including London, New York, Cannes, and Moscow.
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Despite its initial success in raising millions of dollars for charitable causes, Fashion for Relief came under scrutiny following an investigation by the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The commission’s investigation uncovered serious concerns about mismanagement and misconduct, including poor allocation of funds, with only a small percentage of the charity’s resources being spent directly on charitable grants. In addition, the charity was criticized for lavish spending on things like luxury hotel stays for Campbell, which led to her being disqualified as a trustee and the charity being removed from the charity register.
While Fashion for Relief itself was dissolved as a registered charity, the organisation’s history includes a significant contribution to global humanitarian efforts, raising over $15 million for a range of causes such as disaster relief, medical care, and education. Despite the controversy surrounding its closure, the events hosted by Fashion for Relief were notable for their star-studded nature and their ability to mobilise the fashion industry in support of those in need.
Naomi Campbell banned from being charity trustee over abuse
