Naomi Campbell has been temporarily withdrawn from charitable engagements for an extended period.
The Charity Commission in the UK has slapped a five-year ban on 54-year-old supermodel Naomi Campbell from acting as a trustee for any charitable entities in England and Wales. This severe sanction stems from an investigation into her charity, Fashion for Relief.
Campbell and two other ex-trustees have been accused of misconduct and mishandling funds. One of the allegations against Campbell is that she enjoyed a three-night stay at a posh hotel in Cannes at a cost of €9,400, and indulged in spa treatments and room service worth over €7,900, all charged to the organization.
Lack of Transparency and Accountability
Moreover, no records were kept of meetings or decisions, a mandate for charitable organizations. The imposed action plan was not implemented, and annual reports and accounts were submitted late.
Fashion for Relief's aim was to combat poverty and boost health and education by providing grants to other organizations through funds raised at fashion events in London, Cannes, and other locations. However, the body discovered that only a fraction of the charity's earnings were directed towards charitable causes. Of the total income of £4.8 million (around €5.8 million), nearly £4.6 million was spent on expenses, the report showed. Consequently, Fashion for Relief has ceased operations, according to the findings.
Following the investigation into her charity, Fashion for Relief, Naomi Campbell's five-year 'Charity ban' includes her prohibition from serving as a trustee for any charitable entities in England and Wales due to allegations of misconduct and fund mismanagement. The suggested 'action plan' for addressing the lack of transparency and accountability within Fashion for Relief was not implemented, contributing to the organization's eventual closure.
