Naomi Campbell faces wrath of equality campaigners

Naomi Campbell has been criticized by gay rights activists for agreeing to host a ‘spectacular’ fashion show in Qatar.

The supermodel, who has previously spoken out passionately about LGBT rights, is accused of helping to “launder the reputation” of the authoritarian Gulf state where homosexuality is illegal.

On Tuesday, Miss Campbell attended a VIP dinner in the capital Doha to mark the opening of the Baghdad: Eye’s Delight exhibition at the Museum of Islamic Art.

The 52-year-old was pictured at the museum with American model Bella Hadid, 26, wearing a headscarf as part of a glamorous suit with black and gold buttons. Tomorrow she will host the Naomi Campbell Fashion for Relief event at the grand ceremonial court in Doha.

The 52-year-old was pictured at the museum with American model Bella Hadid, 26, wearing a headscarf as part of a glamorous black and gold buttoned suit. Tomorrow she will host the Naomi Campbell Fashion for Relief event at the grand ceremonial court in Doha

There is a couture show with ‘world famous fashion houses’. The publicity material adds: ‘This spectacular charity event is attended by more than 1,000 VIP guests from the worlds of fashion, entertainment, art and business.’ The show will be attended by her patron, Sheikha Al-Mayassa, sister of the ruler of Qatar.

Other celebrities who have also enjoyed Qatar’s hospitality include singer Janet Jackson, 56, and British model Poppy Delevingne, 36, who attended the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar last night.

Gay men and women are persecuted in the Arab nation, where homosexuality is considered abnormal and carries a three-year prison sentence. Human rights group Amnesty International has said that women and LGBTQ+ people “continue to be discriminated against in law and practice in the country”.

Naomi poses at the bash alongside artist Daniel Lismore (left) and painter Kehinde Wiley (right)

Naomir and businessman Guram Gvasalia giggle as they pose for a snapshot

Naomi and Bella with artist Olafur Eliasson

Other celebrities who have also enjoyed Qatar’s hospitality include singer Janet Jackson, 56, pictured with Paula Abdul, and British model Poppy Delevingne, 36, who attended the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar last night. .

Poppy Delevingne, dressed in Miu Miu, attends the Fashion Trust Arabia Prize 2022 Award Ceremony at the National Museum of Qatar

dr. Nas Mohamed, the first Qatari to come out publicly as gay, said: “Naomi is a global icon, but Qatar is trying to get it from both sides, be it in fashion or in sport, by presenting itself as modern, [while it is also] a closed non-inclusive country.

“Qatar uses these platforms to launder its reputation. Is Naomi willing to say anything if she is? [there] because the LGBT community is not okay?’

The runway show is being held to launch Miss Campbell’s new global initiative called Emerge, which is described as focused on “empowering the next generation of creative and business talent.”

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who said he was detained by officials this week while protesting gay rights in Qatar, said: “Miss Campbell’s involvement is inconsistent given the country’s horrific restrictions on women and the criminalization of LGBT people.

She has often publicly expressed her support for the LGBT community. In 2021, she signed a letter of support for the LGBT community in Ghana along with a large number of celebrities. And she once said: ‘If there weren’t gay men, I wouldn’t exist… I owe my life to gay men. It’s just what I grew up with. It’s my family.’

Gay rights campaigner Peter Tatchell, who said he was detained by officials this week while protesting gay rights in Qatar, said: “Miss Campbell’s involvement is inconsistent given the country’s appalling restrictions on women and the criminalization of LGBT people. ‘

Miss Campbell’s spokesperson said: ‘She is known for being a supporter of the LBGTQ+ community and understands that engagement in places like Qatar is an essential step towards positive change. The suggestion that her Emerge initiative is in some way an insult to the LGBTQ+ community reflects a lack of understanding of who [she] is as a person and as a citizen of the world.’