In an appeal hearing, Naomi Campbell seeks to overturn a five-year ban on Fashion for Relief’s charity work, alleging a co-trustee and lawyer forged her signature and impersonated her to divert funds meant for the charity.

The Charity Commission found serious mismanagement of funds, including charity money spent on Campbell’s Cannes hotel stay, spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes.

Cross-examination revealed Campbell did not personally verify Hellmich’s credentials and trusted someone acting in an official capacity, arguing she exercised poor due diligence rather than intent to defraud.

Unicef UK had previously complained about an unfulfilled collaboration claim by Fashion for Relief, though no funds were sent to Unicef.

Campbell said Fashion For Relief started in the US in 2005, later becoming a UK charity, and stressed she has always loved the charity work and did not seek publicity.

She emphasized her commitment to the charity’s work and asserted she would not pursue philanthropy for PR, noting the US origin and later UK registration of Fashion For Relief.

Campbell asserted she has never pursued philanthropic work for personal gain and reaffirmed her dedication as she testifies in person.

Fashion for Relief was registered in 2015 to mobilize the fashion industry for poverty relief and disaster response, but it was dissolved and removed from the UK charity register in March 2024.

An inquiry by the Charity Commission covering 2016–2022 found only about 8.5% of funds raised were spent on grants to charity.

The case highlights concerns about governance and financial oversight in charities and the accountability of trustees.

The hearing featured tense exchanges among Campbell, the tribunal judge, and Charity Commission counsel, with interruptions and cautions about respectful questioning.

Campbell opened an appeal last year with a written statement ahead of testimony, signaling ongoing litigation and a stance against misconduct.