An investigation by the UK Charity Commission has led to Naomi Campbell being banned from serving as a charity trustee for five years due to financial irregularities at Fashion for Relief.
The probe uncovered poor governance, inadequate financial management, and unauthorized expenses, including luxury hotel stays and security services. Less than 9% of the charity’s earnings went towards grants and charitable causes.
Co-trustee Bianka Hellmich received £290,000 in unapproved consultancy fees. Hellmich and Veronica Chou were also barred from serving as trustees for nine and four years.
The commission intervened, recovering £344,000 and protecting £98,000. Fashion for Relief was dissolved and removed from the UK charity register in March.
“This inquiry protected charitable funds and ensured donations to previously supported charities,” said Tim Hopkins, Charity Commission deputy director.
Naomi Campbell founded Fashion for Relief in 2005 to support humanitarian causes, including Ebola crisis and Hurricane Katrina relief.