In an emotional address, Naomi Campbell recently opened up about her charity, Fashion For Relief, after being banned as a trustee due to an inquiry into the organization’s spending practices.

Speaking from Paris, where she received a prestigious cultural award, the 54-year-old supermodel shared her distress and clarified her role within the charity, emphasizing that she felt she was not in control of its operations.

Charity Spending Under Scrutiny

The Charity Commission’s investigation unveiled troubling details about Fashion For Relief’s finances.

Reports highlighted extravagant expenses, including a £12,000 flight to Nice for transferring art and jewellery, along with a £7,800 stay at a luxury hotel during the same trip.

Campbell expressed her deep concern, stating, “I was not in control of my charity,” and explained that she had placed oversight in the hands of a legal advisor.

She reiterated her commitment to ensuring that every dollar raised would support charitable causes.

Emotional Award Ceremony

Dressed in a stunning black and white striped Chanel gown, Campbell received the Chevalier de l’Ordres des Arts et des Lettres award, a moment that prompted tears as she embraced French Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

With a heavy heart, she reflected on her gratitude for the honor, all while grappling with the recent revelations about her charity.

Financial Mismanagement Findings

The Charity Commission’s inquiry discovered that from April 2016 to July 2022, a mere 8.5% of the charity’s overall spending was directed towards charitable grants.

Alarmingly, the investigation classified some fundraising expenses as misconduct or mismanagement.

This included the aforementioned lavish flight and the £7,800 hotel stay, which was accompanied by an additional £6,000 in personal expenses such as spa treatments and room service.

The inquiry’s findings prompted the disqualification of Campbell from her trustee position for five years.

It also revealed that more than £344,000 had been recovered and redirected to support other charitable organizations, following a spending pattern that raised eyebrows when it was disclosed that Fashion For Relief had spent over £1.6 million on a gala yet donated only £5,000 to good causes within a 15-month period.

Charity’s Status and Future

As the inquiry progressed, the Charity Commission ultimately removed Fashion For Relief from the UK charity register, citing poor governance and inadequate financial management.

Alongside Campbell, other trustees, including Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou, faced disqualifications as well.

Founded in 2005 after Campbell was inspired by Nelson Mandela’s encouragement to use her voice for good, Fashion For Relief claimed to have raised over £11 million through high-profile events across the globe.

However, concerns about its effectiveness grew after a complaint from the Mayor’s Fund for London highlighted a £50,000 debt owed to them by the charity.

Closing Thoughts

Tim Hopkins from the Charity Commission remarked on the grave responsibilities that trustees have in ensuring their charity’s best interests are prioritized.

He pointed out the failure of Fashion For Relief’s trustees to meet their legal obligations, resulting in necessary action to disqualify them.

Despite the challenges, the inquiry has led to the recovery of significant funds, ensuring that other charities benefit from the situation.

As Fashion For Relief continues its operations in America, it remains to be seen how it will address these serious issues and restore its reputation moving forward.

Mine Crypto. Earn $GOATS while it is free! Click Here!!