Mia Farrow testified Monday that model Naomi Campbell told her she had been sent a “huge diamond” by former Liberian president Charles Taylor, directly contradicting Campbell's evidence last week at Taylor's war crimes trial. The prosecution called the American actress Farrow and Carole White, Campbell's former agent, to testify about a gift of uncut diamonds that Taylor allegedly gave the model after a September 1997 party they all attended hosted by then-South African President Nelson Mandela. Farrow's account Monday would dent Taylor's denials of any involvement with the trade in illicit gems known as blood diamonds – stones used to fuel wars. Farrow testified that Campbell had told other guests over breakfast she had received a diamond from Taylor. “She said that in the night she had been awakened, some men were knocking at the door, and they had been sent by Charles Taylor, and they had given her a huge diamond,” Farrow told the court. Under cross examination by defense lawyer Morris Kanneh, Farrow conceded she had never seen the diamond or diamonds herself. Confronted with statements by both Campbell and White that the gift was several small rough diamonds and not one “huge' one, Farrow stuck by her story. “I didn't see the diamond or diamonds. I can only tell you what Naomi Campbell said,” Farrow said. “Is it possible, Ms. Farrow, that your recollection is in error?” Kanneh asked. “No. I think I would have remembered diamonds in the plural,” Farrow said, calling it “sort of an unforgettable moment.” Farrow said Campbell had seemed excited by the gift and had said she would give it to charity.
