Campbell Appeals Charity Ban, Cites Co-Trustee's Alleged Misconduct
Naomi Campbell is seeking to overturn a five-year ban from operating a charity, asserting that a fellow trustee was responsible for significant financial mismanagement through alleged “identity fraud and deception.” During an appeal hearing, Campbell claimed that Bianka Hellmich, a co-trustee and lawyer, forged her signature and used a fabricated email address to redirect funds intended for Fashion for Relief, the supermodel's former charity.
Campbell testified on Tuesday that her “only mistake” was placing her trust in Hellmich. The ban, imposed in 2024 by a UK watchdog, followed an investigation that uncovered widespread evidence of financial misconduct. Campbell has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Allegations of Forgery and Deception
Bianka Hellmich, who has previously refuted the allegations, received a nine-year ban, while a third trustee, Veronica Chou, was disqualified for four years. The watchdog's inquiry revealed that substantial amounts of money, earmarked for the charity, were instead spent on luxury accommodations, spa treatments, cigarettes, and security services for Campbell.
Andrew Westwood KC, Campbell's lawyer, submitted written arguments alleging that Hellmich “carried out a long-term and consistent scheme of mismanagement and deception in relation to the running of the charity,” which she purportedly concealed from others. Campbell, 56, also accused Hellmich of misrepresenting her credentials as a charity lawyer. Campbell admitted she did not conduct reference or credential checks, explaining that Hellmich “came across as a lawyer” and had held “official positions.”
When questioned about her due diligence, Campbell stated, “I trusted the wrong person, what more do you want?” She also noted, referring to The Charity Commission, “You trusted her too, because you were in communication with her until we let you know that you were deceived.”
Trustee Responsibilities Under Scrutiny
Westwood contended that Hellmich had advised Campbell that she could “confine herself to a limited role” within the charity, effectively acting as a figurehead, while Hellmich managed regulatory and financial responsibilities. However, Faisel Sadiq, The Charity Commission’s lawyer, argued in a written submission that Campbell could not “abdicate” her duties as a trustee to merely serve as a figurehead.
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 to the BBC that a report was made regarding allegations of fraud and providing false or misleading information to the Commission, rather than reporting any specific individual. The BBC has attempted to contact Hellmich for comment.
Fashion for Relief's Dissolution and Past Issues
Fashion for Relief was established to unite the fashion industry in efforts to alleviate poverty and promote health and education through grants and aid for global disasters. Campbell stated that the charity, initially launched in the US, did not encounter issues until its registration as a charity in the UK. In March 2024, Fashion for Relief was dissolved and removed from the register of charities.
Campbell expressed her fondness for the charity work, dismissing suggestions that she engaged in it for public relations, stating, “I’m already famous enough.” The Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales, began its investigation into Fashion for Relief in 2021. An examination of expenses between April 2016 and July 2022 revealed that only 8.5% of funds raised were allocated to charitable grants.
It also emerged that Unicef UK had filed a complaint against the charity after Fashion for Relief inaccurately claimed to be collaborating with Unicef and held a fundraising event for the organization, but no funds were ever transferred to the global children's charity. The tribunal proceedings are ongoing.
Source: Naomi Campbell blames lawyer for 'fraud and deception' at charity ban appeal
