Rio has plenty of anger for Campbell to manage

updated 4:11 p.m. ET Jan. 19, 2007

RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil - The beautiful but violent Rio de Janeiro invited the pretty but troubled Naomi Campbell to be its ambassador Friday, two days after she admitted in a New York court to throwing a mobile phone at her housekeeper.

The British Campbell, a prominent black supermodel, told the mayor she wanted to raise money for the poor in Rio, a multiracial city known for its vibrant night life.

“She has an image that is the face of Rio de Janeiro; she could represent it abroad like nobody else,” Mayor Cesar Maia said on the city’s official Web site.

On Tuesday, Campbell was sentenced to five days of community service for third-degree assault during a dispute over a pair of jeans. She got a $363 fine and was ordered to attend anger-management classes.

The supermodel had been charged with second-degree assault and faced up to seven years in prison and deportation.

Rio de Janeiro, one of the most violent cities in the world, has asked the government to send federal troops to stop the growing gang violence. On Wednesday, a former Miss Brazil had to undergo surgery on her hand after being attacked outside a Rio fashion show.

MORE FROM CELEBRITIES

Celebrities Section Front

Reps deny Gyllenhaal, Witherspoon breakup Tom Arnold ties the knot for fourth time Polanski stuck in jail as Swiss await bail money Despite criticism, Lohan to stay on at Ungaro Filmmaker Perry gives $1 million to NAACP Chef Paula Deen hit in face by charity ham Michael Jackson glove sells for $350,000 Michael Jackson’s doctor returns to work Miley Cyrus tour bus overturns, killing driver Access Hollywood section Celebrities Section Front   Add Celebrities headlines to your news reader: