Devastated Naomi vows to tackle the star deaths ‘epidemic’
AFTER suffering the deaths of two close friends in as many weeks, devastated supermodel Naomi Campbell plans to front a mental health campaign to prevent more tragedies.
Naomi, 48, set out her intentions on Twitter after learning of the suicide at 58 of her society beauty friend Lucy Birley last week. Naomi wrote: ‘What is going on? Why is it that all my friends who are on antidepressants are taking their lives? This must be addressed!’ She added the hashtags #PROTECTMENTALHEALTH and #LETSUNITE’.
More than 500 followers responded, with many noting her implication that antidepression medication might be the root of the problem. One wrote: ‘They need to be protected. This is an epidemic.’
Sources in Naomi’s camp tell me she plans to get celebrity friends, including Kate Moss, involved in her campaign.
Earlier this month, Naomi’s model friend Annabelle Neilson died aged 49, from a heart attack in her Chelsea townhouse. She had battled with depression for years.
Like Lucy, who was Roxy Music singer Bryan Ferry’s wife for 21 years, Annabelle was part of a glamorous fashion set that counts Naomi’s best pal Kate as its queen. It also included designer Alexander McQueen and his mentor Isabella Blow, who both took their own lives.
On Friday, after attending Annabelle’s funeral at St Paul’s Church in Knightsbridge with Kate, Naomi admitted to having been in ‘denial’ about the death of her friend. Mentioning the pet name she used for the socialite on social media for the first time since her death, the supermodel wrote: ‘Accepting you’re with the angels now Titi. Today we sent you off on to your next journey. You were a force in every way… Until we meet again you will remain in our hearts!! I love you.’
Last month Naomi paid tribute to celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain after he committed suicide.
A source said: ‘Naomi wants to do something to put a stop to all these premature and tragic deaths. She, like others in the industry, are wondering who will be next.’