Naomi Campbell Forced to Testify in Taylor Trial

Supermodel Naomi Campbell is being forced to testify in the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor. Campbell was issued a subpoena ordering her to appear, in court on July 28. If she refuses, she could face a fine of $500, a prison sentence of seven years, or both.

Campbell is being asked to give evidence about a diamond she allegedly received from Taylor at a dinner party hosted by Nelson Mandela. Taylor is facing a UN-backed war crimes tribunal that is investigating the vicious diamond-funded civil war he supported in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

Sky News reports that the prosecution is alleging that the jewel was among those that Taylor had acquired from rebels in Sierra Leone and taken to South Africa to either sell or exchange for weapons.

Actress Mia Farrow, who was a guest at the dinner party, is also being asked to testify in the case, which has been ongoing since 2007. Campbell’s former agent, Carole White, is also on the witness list. Both women confirm that Campbell received the diamond from Taylor.

Campbell has repeatedly refused to give evidence in the case. In a short interview with ABC News in May, the model denied that she had received a diamond. When the interviewer continued to ask about the stone, Campbell stormed off the set, punching the camera held by the producer in the process.