Naomi Campbell called unfit to run a charity in her appeal against ban

Naomi Campbell today told a London tribunal she had been 'deceived' and victim to identity fraud as she fought to overturn her five-year ban from serving as a charity trustee.

The 56-year-old supermodel demanded 'respect' as she appealed against the Charity Commission's decision, imposed after its investigation into her charity - Fashion For Relief - uncovered serious mismanagement of funds.

The watchdog found that charity money had been used to cover expenses including Campbell's stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, as well as spa treatments, room service and cigarettes.

Campbell was one of three trustees disqualified following the probe. Former trustee Bianka Hellmich received a nine-year ban, while Veronica Chou was disqualified for four years.

But Campbell claims she was herself misled and impersonated during the inquiry, alleging that forged documents and fake email accounts were used without her knowledge.

Arriving at the tribunal on Tuesday, Campbell said in a written statement: 'I am bringing this appeal to shine a light on the deception I believe was waged against the charity, stopping money from going to the causes it was supposed to.

'My investigation has revealed identity fraud and deception and helps uncover why most of the funds weren't used as intended.

'What my legal team has unearthed is shocking, involving fake email addresses and forged communications with the authorities.

Naomi Campbell attended a central London tribunal today to fight against her five-year ban from serving as a charity trustee

The 56-year-old supermodel told the tribunal she had been the victim of deception and identity fraud

She asked for 'respect' as she was cross examined, telling the counsel for the charity watchdog they had both been 'deceived'

'I am pleased the tribunal has given me the chance to speak out, to ensure those responsible are held accountable and justice is done.

'As I have said before, I have never undertaken philanthropic work for personal gain, nor will I ever do so.'

Giving evidence in person, Campbell repeatedly insisted that she had been deceived by those she trusted.

The supermodel said: 'I'm here because I have been deceived, you are here because you have been deceived, so let's both be respectful to each other.'

The remark came during exchanges with Faisel Sadiq, counsel for the Charity Commission, as he cross-examined her about her role in the charity's management.

Campbell said her 'only mistake' had been trusting Hellmich, whom she alleges forged her signature and falsely presented herself as a specialist charity lawyer.

She told the tribunal: 'I did not do a check on Bianka (Hellmich) – when I'm introduced to a lawyer, I assume they are acting within the law.'

Rejecting suggestions that she should have carried out more due diligence, Campbell added: 'I don't look at it as a failure, I look at it as me trusting someone that I knew, someone that was a lawyer.'

Campbell was banned from serving as a charity trustee after the watchdog found charity money had been used to cover expenses including hotel stays, spa treatments, room service and cigarettes

Pressed further on whether she should have done more, she replied: 'I trusted the wrong person, what more do you want?

'You trusted her too because you were in communication with her until we let you know that you were deceived.'

The tribunal has previously heard allegations from Campbell's legal team that Hellmich received hundreds of thousands of pounds from charity funds over a number of years.

Campbell's lawyers argue that Hellmich held herself out as an experienced legal professional and advised the model that she could adopt a limited, figurehead role focused on fundraising while others dealt with regulatory and financial matters.

In written submissions, Andrew Westwood KC, representing Campbell, said Hellmich had carried out 'a long-term and consistent scheme of mismanagement and deception' and concealed it from Campbell and others.

The Charity Commission disputes that argument, maintaining that trustees cannot simply delegate away their legal responsibilities.

Its counsel has argued that it was not legally open to Campbell to 'abdicate' her duties as a trustee, regardless of any reliance placed on advisers.

The hearing marks the latest chapter in a saga that overshadowed what should have been one of the proudest moments of Campbell's career.

Last year, the fashion icon received one of France's highest cultural honours when she was appointed a Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters in Paris, recognising her contribution to the arts after nearly four decades in the industry.

But on the very same day, headlines around the world focused instead on the Charity Commission's findings against Fashion For Relief.

Campbell has since maintained that she believed money raised through the charity was reaching the causes it was intended to support.

The tribunal continues.