Supermodel Naomi Campbell is refuting allegations that she lied in the war crimes trial of former Liberian President Charles Taylor. Campbell was asked to testify about some diamonds she allegedly received from Taylor during a dinner party she attended at the home of Nelson Mandela.
"I've no motive here. Nothing to gain. I am a black woman who has and will always support good causes, especially relating to Africa," Campbell said in a statement to the public.
The trial is taking place in the Hague, in the Netherlands. One of the focal points is whether Taylor used blood diamonds to finance his activities. Campbell admits to receiving "dirty-looking pebbles" from two men in the middle of the night but says she didn't know who they were.
This week, Campbell's testimony was refuted by actress Mia Farrow and her former agent, Carole White -- both of whom suggested that Campbell bragged about her gift the next day at breakfast. Farrow and White also claim that Campbell said she believed the gift came from Taylor himself.
Campbell isn't the most credible source in the world, in light of her tainted history of selfish, arrogant and abusive behavior. It is also difficult to believe that she had no idea who sent the diamonds, or at least didn't spend some time trying to find out.
Saying she has nothing to gain and lying on the stand is also misleading. Taylor is a very scary man, allegedly responsible for some of the most egregious behaviors known to man. If there were ever a reason to hold back your testimony, this would be it.
Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition and a Scholarship in Action resident of the Institute for Black Public Policy. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.