Naomi Campbell Breaks Down in Tears as Charity Faces Closure Over Misuse Allegations!

Charity Mismanagement Revealed

Campbell has been banned from acting as a trustee of Fashion for Relief in the UK for five years. This decision follows an investigation that revealed shocking financial mismanagement within the organization. Alongside Campbell, co-trustee Bianka Hellmich has been banned for nine years, and another trustee, Veronica Chou, for four years.

The investigation found that over the past decade, a significant portion of the money raised was improperly spent. Allegations include the use of charity funds for lavish hotel vacations, spa treatments, personal security, and even cigarettes. Notably, The Washington Post reported that thousands were spent on security and accommodations for Campbell during a stay at a five-star hotel in 2018. Furthermore, co-trustee Hellmich allegedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in illegal payments from the charity.

From April 2016 to July 2022, a mere 8.5% of the total funds were allocated to charitable donations. For example, despite raising $1.6 million at a gala in Cannes, the charity only donated $5,000 during that period, as reported by The Daily Mail.

Consequences and Campbell’s Response

The British Charity Commission’s CEO stated, “The trustees who raise and hold charitable funds must make the right decisions in using the funds, comply with regulations, and fulfill their responsibilities. We found that the trustees holding these charitable funds did not carry out their duties properly and fully. Therefore, we decided to remove them.”

On September 26, Campbell broke down in tears while addressing the situation. “I was very worried, but I no longer have control over my own charitable fund,” she admitted. She expressed that she had no idea about her removal until she read it in the news. Regarding the reported personal expenses, she stated, “We are still investigating our side, even though I no longer have control of my own charity. I was forced to give control to a lawyer to find out what is going on and why. Every penny I earn and raise is used for charity.”

A Legacy in Question

Fashion for Relief was founded in 2005 with the goal of supporting victims of Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans. Over the years, it has claimed to raise $15 million for various causes. Campbell was inspired to start the organization by Nelson Mandela, aiming to unite the fashion industry as a force for good. The charity has purportedly provided relief to victims of several disasters, including the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and the Japan tsunami.

The investigation into the charity’s financial activities began in 2021 after it failed to account for its expenditures. As a result, nearly $400,000 was recovered and later donated to Save the Children and the London Mayor’s Fund. Following these findings, Fashion for Relief announced it would disband in March 2024.