Photo: hdptcar / Wikimedia Commons

Receiving an expensive gift from an alleged war criminal could have serious consequences. And attending a dinner party where someone receives this gift can land you in court as well, even if it’s 13 years later. Sounds confusing? That must certainly be how Mia Farrow feels after being called to testify in a war crimes trial against Charles Taylor, the former president of Liberia.

A simple party

It all began with Nelson Mandela hosting a high profile dinner party in Cape Town in 1997. A number of celebrities attended, including Naomi Campbell, Mia Farrow and Charles Taylor. After the party Taylor allegedly presented Campbell with a diamond – a simple exchange that would have dire consequences for the actress and several guests for several years. It was only after this party that Charles Taylor’s alleged crimes came to light, and one wonders whether Mandela would ever have included him as a guest, had he known the former president would be accused of perpetrating atrocities.

Blood diamonds

The diamond was allegedly one of many that Taylor has used over the years to purchase weapons for the Sierra Leone war. The diamond was among those Taylor is accused of selling in South Africa. When asked about the gift, Campbell refused to comment. Now Mia Farrow and other guests have been asked to testify that Campbell did in fact receive the ‘blood diamond’ from Taylor. Farrow recalls Campbell telling her how she received the gift in the late hours of the evening after the party. Campbell denies this allegation.

War crimes

Charles Taylor has been on trial at The Hague since 2006. He has denied ever possessing uncut diamonds, and Farrow’s testimony is very important for securing Taylor’s link to illegal diamond and weapons trading. He is also being accused of various war crimes including recruiting child soldiers, murder, rape and cannibalism.

What this might mean for Farrow and Campbell’s relationship remains to be seen. Farrow will be testifying on 9 August.

Tags: celebrities