Supermodel Naomi Campbell has attributed the significant misuse of funds at her former charity, Fashion for Relief, to what she described as 'identity fraud and deception' orchestrated by a co-trustee. Speaking at an appeal hearing to contest a ban from running charities, Campbell alleged that Bianka Hellmich, a fellow trustee and lawyer, created a fake email address and forged her signature to divert money intended for the organisation.
Campbell, 56, told the tribunal on Tuesday that her 'only mistake' was placing her trust in Hellmich. This appeal follows a five-year ban imposed on Campbell in 2024 by a UK watchdog, which uncovered extensive evidence of financial misconduct within Fashion for Relief. Hellmich received a nine-year ban, while a third trustee, Veronica Chou, was disqualified for four years. The Charity Commission's inquiry found that a substantial sum, hundreds of thousands of pounds, was spent on luxury hotels, spa treatments, cigarettes, and security for the supermodel, rather than charitable causes.
In written submissions, Campbell's lawyer, Andrew Westwood KC, contended that Hellmich 'carried out a long-term and consistent scheme of mismanagement and deception' that was concealed from other trustees. Campbell also accused Hellmich of misrepresenting her credentials as a charity lawyer, admitting she did not conduct reference or credential checks because Hellmich 'came across as a lawyer' and had held 'official positions'. When pressed on due diligence, Campbell stated, 'I trusted the wrong person, what more do you want?'
The Charity Commission's lawyer, Faisel Sadiq, countered that Campbell could not 'abdicate' her responsibilities as a trustee by merely acting as a figurehead, despite Hellmich allegedly advising her she could confine herself to a limited role. The tribunal heard that both Campbell's legal team and the Charity Commission have referred the allegations of forgery and fraud to the police. The Commission confirmed this, clarifying that the report concerned allegations of fraud and providing false or misleading information, rather than reporting an individual.
Fashion for Relief was established with the aim of uniting the fashion industry to combat poverty and advance health and education globally through grants and resources. Campbell stated the charity, initially launched in the US, did not encounter problems until its registration in the UK. The Charity Commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales, began investigating Fashion for Relief in 2021. Its inquiry, examining expenses between April 2016 and July 2022, revealed that only 8.5% of funds raised were ultimately spent on charitable grants. The charity was dissolved and removed from the register in March 2024.
Further revelations included a complaint from Unicef UK after Fashion for Relief wrongly claimed a partnership and held a fundraising event for them, with no money subsequently transferred to the children's charity. Campbell denied suggestions she undertook the charity work 'for PR', stating, 'I'm already famous enough'. The tribunal is ongoing.