Supermodel Naomi Campbell has successfully overturned a five-year ban on serving as a charity trustee, following a ruling that she was unaware of serious misconduct at her charity, Fashion for Relief.

Background

In 2024, the 56-year-old supermodel was disqualified from her role after the Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales, accused her of mismanaging funds. The commission found that charity funds were misused, including payments for Campbell's stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, and unauthorized fees paid to a trustee.

Legal Challenge

Earlier this year, Campbell challenged the ban in a first-tier tribunal, claiming she had been “deceived” by fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich, who allegedly forged documents and misrepresented her qualifications as a charity lawyer. The commission contended that Campbell had “completely abdicated” her responsibilities and was “highly culpable” for governance failures.

Tribunal Ruling

On Thursday, the tribunal ruled in favor of Campbell. Judges Joe Neville and James Armstrong-Holmes, along with a third member, stated:

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“There was serious misconduct and mismanagement in the administration of the charity she founded, Fashion for Relief.”
“However, its most serious features... resulted from Ms Hellmich’s conduct and were concealed from Ms Campbell.”