### Naomi Campbell Barred from U.K. Charity Work Amid Financial Misconduct Scandal

Former supermodel Naomi Campbell has been banned from participating in charity work in the U.K. for five years following a Charity Commission investigation that revealed significant misuse of funds. The investigation discovered that money intended for charitable purposes was instead siphoned off for luxury expenses, including hotel stays and spa treatments.

Campbell, a renowned British icon, was involved with Fashion for Relief, a charity she founded in 2005 to combat poverty and aid economically disadvantaged youth through fashion shows. However, the inquiry revealed that the organization was not fully allocating the funds it raised to its intended charitable causes. Unauthorized payments were reportedly used for personal expenses such as cigarettes and security for Campbell.

On Thursday, Campbell told the Associated Press that she was very concerned upon learning about the findings, clarifying that she had not been in control of Fashion for Relief's finances or spending decisions. In addition to Campbell, trustees Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou have also been barred from charity involvement for varying periods—Hellmich for nine years and Chou for four.

The inquiry uncovered unauthorized payments amounting to £290,000 ($388,000) for consultancy services to Hellmich, which were made in violation of the charity's constitution. Interim managers appointed by the Commission have since secured repayments to the charity. These funds were redistributed to other charitable entities, including Save the Children Fund and Mayor's Fund for London, and were also used to settle Fashion for Relief's liabilities.

The investigation examined Fashion for Relief's financial activities from April 2016 to July 2022, concluding that a mere 8.5 percent of the funds raised were actually spent on charity grants. Despite repeated requests for comment, Campbell's team has not responded to inquiries from The Hollywood Reporter.