Story perspectives

Naomi Campbell Overturns Five-Year Charity Trustee Ban

By Drooid · Oct 1, 2026, 2:30 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Supermodel Naomi Campbell overturns a five-year charity-trustee ban after a tribunal ruled she was deceived.
The First-Tier Tribunal found Campbell acted honestly and was unaware of Fashion for Relief’s misconduct.
Lawyer trustee Bianka Hellmich was identified as the deceiver and received a nine-year disqualification.
Investigators disclosed £290,000+ unauthorized consultancy payments to Hellmich and luxury spending of £4.8 million, with only 8.5 % reaching grants.

History

Historical Context

Kids Company, founded in 1996 by Camila Batmanghelidjh, grew to 11 centres and relied on government grants, including a £3 million emergency award in July 2015. After a police abuse probe and ongoing cash-flow problems, the charity entered compulsory liquidation in August 2015. A Charity Commission report published in 2022 cited mismanagement and urged tighter oversight.

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Story summary

Supermodel Naomi Campbell overturns a five-year charity-trustee ban after a tribunal ruled she was deceived.
The First-Tier Tribunal found Campbell acted honestly and was unaware of Fashion for Relief’s misconduct.
Lawyer trustee Bianka Hellmich was identified as the deceiver and received a nine-year disqualification.
Investigators disclosed £290,000+ unauthorized consultancy payments to Hellmich and luxury spending of £4.8 million, with only 8.5 % reaching grants.

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