Naomi Campbell, a renowned British supermodel, has been disqualified from serving as a charity trustee in England and Wales for a period of five years. This decision comes after an investigation conducted by the Charity Commission revealed severe mismanagement and misconduct within the poverty charity, “Fashion for Relief,” which Campbell had founded nearly twenty years ago. The report indicated that only a small portion (8.5%) of the charity’s expenses was allocated towards charitable grants over a six-year span starting from 2016.

One of the key findings of the investigation was that substantial amounts from the charity’s funds were used to cover expenses for Campbell’s stay at a luxurious hotel in Cannes, France. These expenses included spa treatments, room service, and even cigarettes. Despite claims that a donor typically covered such costs, trustees failed to provide evidence to support this assertion. Additionally, trustee Bianka Hellmich received approximately 290,000 pounds ($385,000) in unauthorized funds for consultancy services, breaching the charity’s constitution and resulting in her disqualification as a trustee for nine years. Veronica Chou, another trustee, was barred for four years.

According to Tim Hopkins, the Charity Commission’s deputy director for specialist investigations and standards, trustees are obligated to act in the charity’s best interests and fulfill their legal duties. The failure of the Fashion for Relief trustees to do so led to their disqualification. The charity, founded in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans, was dissolved earlier this year after the investigation’s revelations. Although the charity’s website remains operational, showcasing its initiatives in various global locations, it has been removed from the register of charities.

In efforts to rectify the situation, the Charity Commission recovered around 344,000 pounds ($460,000) and safeguarded an additional 98,000 pounds of charitable funds. These funds have been used to contribute to other charitable organizations and settle outstanding debts. Notably, Fashion for Relief had aimed to unite the fashion industry to tackle poverty, improve health and education, and provide support during global disasters through fundraisers in cities like Cannes and London.

Naomi Campbell’s spokesperson declined to provide a comment on the matter when contacted. The incident underscores the importance of transparency, good governance, and accountability in charitable organizations to ensure that funds are utilized effectively for their intended purposes.