Supermodel Naomi Campbell is fighting a ban that prevents her from being a charity trustee, arguing that she was deceived by a fellow trustee.

Campbell, 54, was banned for five years after an investigation by the Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales. The inquiry found financial mismanagement at Fashion for Relief, a charity she founded. The allegations included using charity funds to cover her luxury hotel stay in Cannes, France, along with spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes.

Campbell insists she was a victim of fraud. She claims another trustee, Bianka Hellmich, created fake emails to impersonate her and misled investigators. Campbell and two other trustees were banned—Hellmich for nine years and Veronica Chou for four years.

Her lawyer, Andrew Westwood KC, argued that Campbell never had a chance to properly defend herself because she was being deceived. New evidence suggests Hellmich may have had a financial motive, as she allegedly received over £500,000 from the charity between 2016 and 2021.

Campbell acknowledges that mismanagement occurred at Fashion for Relief but insists she was unaware of it. She believes she was only a figurehead while others committed wrongdoing behind her back. Her legal team requested full access to the Charity Commission’s investigation file, but the court only allowed access to certain relevant documents.

The Charity Commission’s lawyer, Faisel Sadiq, emphasized that Campbell must now prove her claims in court, as she alleges she was a victim of fraud and forgery, including forged signatures.

In a statement, Campbell said she is determined to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. She also warned about the dangers of online identity fraud and promised that she has never and will never use philanthropy for personal gain.

A Charity Commission spokesperson acknowledged that Campbell’s allegations are serious and that the case will continue to be reviewed in court.