A family-run charity backed with millions of pounds by the band One Direction has had its accounts frozen during an investigation into allegations of misconduct.
Believe in Magic, co-founded by a mother and daughter after the daughter had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, is being investigated by the Charity Commission following “multiple complaints” and “indications of misconduct or mismanagement”.
One Direction’s stars have been ambassadors to the charity, and Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne attended its fundraising Cinderella Ball in August 2015. It also held a party at 10 Downing Street when David Cameron was prime minister.
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The organisation was set up in 2012 to help children suffering from serious or terminal illness by Jean Bhari, and her daughter Meg. At the time, Meg had been diagnosed with a brain tumour, and is said to have undergone 23 brain operations.
The organisation has reportedly received support from celebrities including Jessie J, Olly Murs, Pixie Lott, Little Mix, Professor Green, Fearne Cotton and Michael Bublé.
But according to the commission, it has failed to file its annual accounts, which were due over seven months ago. In its first year, the charity received donations of £73,635 and a further £3,158 in gift aid. In 2013, the charity received donations worth £48,007 and in 2014, it received £32,783.
It also reportedly received a donation of £2m from One Direction’s Louis Tomlinson, as well as support from other members of the band at the Cinderella Ball, which was held at the Natural History Museum in London. No accounts have been filed for that year.
