Naomi Campbell Walks Into a War Crimes Trial ...

by Michael Jones · 2010-01-15 12:10:00 UTC
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Naomi CampbellWhat does Naomi Campbell have to do with war crimes? Well, if you're Charles Taylor, the former Liberian dictator currently facing war crimes charges in the Netherlands, quite a bit. Word comes this week that in 1997, during a dinner at South African President Nelson Mandela's home, Chaz tried to charm Naomi Campbell by offering her a first-rate, grade-A certified blood diamond.

Charles Taylor allegedly had the diamond to purchase weapons from the South African government for Sierra Leonean rebels, according to war crimes prosecutors in the Netherlands. That generally fits hook, line and sinker with what the definition of a blood diamond is -- a gem mined in a war zone (Sierra Leone, check), sold to an entity (the South African government, check) to finance violence (arms to Sierra Leonean rebels, check).

Sheesh, and Naomi Campbell thought Hollywood was where the drama happens.

For his part, Taylor denied giving Naomi Campbell a blood diamond, calling the story total nonsense. But that didn't seem to dissuade Prosecutor Brenda Hollis, who recounted a scenario where goons for Taylor delivered the diamond to Campbell's room. Campbell then, according to Prosecutors, told Mia Farrow about the offer (who was also a guest of Mandela's).

And folks thought celebrity scandals were limited to the sport of golf.

Taylor is currently on trial for 11 counts of of crimes against humanity and war crimes related to the decade-long civil war that engulfed Sierra Leone, Liberia's neighbor to the southeast.

For her part, Campbell is working with prosecutors. She's also apparently attending fancy parties in Thailand. Hopefully not sporting any blood diamonds in her wardrobe.

Photo credit: kulistina

Michael Jones
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