Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Naomi Campbell

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Naomi Campbell.

Naomi Campbell is a highly successful British fashion model, starting her career at a young age. She is recognized as one of the original supermodels. Campbell broke barriers as the first black woman to grace the covers of Time and Vogue France, solidifying her impact and influence in the fashion industry.

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Full Timeline Controversies & Scandals

1997: Received blood diamonds from Charles Taylor

In 1997, Naomi Campbell received diamonds as a gift from unknown men she assumed were sent by Charles Taylor in Cape Town, South Africa.

September 1998: Convicted of assaulting her personal assistant

In September 1998, Naomi Campbell was convicted of assaulting her personal assistant.

1999: Entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction

In a 2010 interview, Naomi Campbell stated that in 1999 she entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction and then she joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

2002: Won lawsuit against the Daily Mirror

In 2002, Naomi Campbell won a breach of confidentiality lawsuit against the Daily Mirror after they published a photograph of her leaving a Narcotics Anonymous meeting.

January 2007: Pleaded guilty to assaulting her former housekeeper

In January 2007, Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to assaulting her former housekeeper and attended her community service wearing designer outfits.

June 2008: Sentenced for assaulting two police officers

In June 2008, Naomi Campbell was sentenced for assaulting two police officers at London Heathrow Airport.

May 2010: Alleged Email Exchange with Saif Gaddafi

In May 2010, there was an alleged email exchange between Naomi Campbell and Saif Gaddafi, in which Campbell inquired about arranging a visit to Libya for Ghislaine Maxwell.

August 2010: Appeared at Charles Taylor trial

In August 2010, Naomi Campbell appeared at the trial against former Liberian president Charles Taylor to give evidence on "blood diamonds" she received from Taylor in 1997.

2010: Entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction

In a 2010 interview, Naomi Campbell stated that in 1999 she entered rehabilitation for cocaine addiction and then she joined Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

2012: Stopped Drinking

Around 2012, Naomi Campbell stopped drinking after joining Alcoholics Anonymous to get sober.

July 2015: Found guilty of assaulting a paparazzo

In July 2015, Naomi Campbell was found guilty of assaulting a paparazzo in Rome.

April 2016: Fashion for Relief Spending Misconduct

Between April 2016 and July 2022, Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants, while making unauthorized payments to other trustees and advisors.

2017: Complaints against Fashion for Relief

In 2017, Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London made complaints to the Charity Commission over Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events.

2018: Complaints against Fashion for Relief

In 2018, Save the Children Fund and the Mayor's Fund for London made complaints to the Charity Commission over Fashion for Relief's failure to fully pay them proceeds from events.

August 2019: Addressed relationship with Jeffrey Epstein

In August 2019, Naomi Campbell addressed her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein on her YouTube channel, stating that she was introduced to him by Flavio Briatore and condemning his actions.

2019: Fashion for Relief event at British Museum raises concerns

In 2019, Fashion for Relief held an event at the British Museum claimed to be in partnership with UNICEF, which UNICEF denied, leading to concerns and questions regarding the charity's practices.

2021: Charity Commission investigation into Fashion Relief

In 2021, the Charity Commission initiated an investigation into Fashion Relief.

July 2022: Fashion for Relief Spending Misconduct

Between April 2016 and July 2022, Fashion for Relief spent only 8.5% of its income on charitable grants, while making unauthorized payments to other trustees and advisors.

2022: Reported on alleged email exchange with Saif Gaddafi

In 2022, The Guardian reported on an alleged email exchange from May 2010 between Campbell and Saif Gaddafi, in which Campbell described Maxwell as a "great friend."

2023: Removed as a trustee from Fashion For Relief

In 2023, Naomi Campbell was removed as a trustee from the charity Fashion For Relief.

March 2024: Fashion For Relief closed by Charity Commission

On March 15, 2024, Fashion For Relief was closed by the Charity Commission.

September 2024: Banned From Being a Charity Trustee

In September 2024, Naomi Campbell was banned from being a trustee of any charity in the United Kingdom for five years following a misconduct investigation.