Billionaire businessman James Packer has opened up about his engagement with songstress Mariah Carey – and why the star-studded pair called off their nuptials.
The pair met in Hollywood in 2015 and were engaged shortly after the new year began, with Packer proposing to the pop princess with a $10 million diamond ring.
But their nuptials in Bora Bora never materialised – instead reports swirled of a $50 million settlement and no promise that the ring would be returned.
The pair met in Hollywood in 2015 and were engaged shortly after the new year began, with Packer (right) proposing to the pop princess (left) with a $10 million diamond ring
But their nuptials in Bora Bora never materialised – instead reports swirled of a $50 million settlement and no promise that the ring would be returned (pictured James Packer with Mariah Carey)
‘I was at a low point in my personal life. She was kind, exciting and fun. Mariah is a woman of substance. But it was a mistake for her and a mistake for me,’ he told the Weekend Australian (pictured together during their engagement)
‘I was at a low point in my personal life. She was kind, exciting and fun. Mariah is a woman of substance. But it was a mistake for her and a mistake for me,’ he told the Weekend Australian.
While the couple didn’t remain friends after the split – with Mariah going so far as to say ‘I don’t know where that motherf*****’ is’ when asked about his whereabouts – it’s a completely different story for Packer’s two ex-wives.
His marriage to The Upside activewear founder Jodhi Meares in 1999 lasted two years, with the entrepreneur choosing to invest in her business long after they’d parted ways.
His marriage to The Upside activewear founder Jodhi Meares (pictured) in 1999 lasted two years, with the entrepreneur choosing to invest in her business long after they’d parted ways
‘I get on exceptionally well with my two ex-wives,’ he explained (pictured with first wife Jodhi Meares and Mariah Carey)
‘I get on exceptionally well with my two ex-wives,’ he explained.
But it was the life he created with part-time model and singer Erica Baxter that he’s most disappointed didn’t end in a ‘happily ever after.’
‘It is my biggest regret that I let my marriage to Erica fail. It is what it is and she is doing an incredible job with the kids and we are in a great place,’ he commented.
They were married in a civil ceremony in June 2007 and share three children together: Indigo, nine, Jackson Lloyd, seven and Emmanuelle Sheelah, five.
They were married in a civil ceremony in June 2007 and share three children together: Indigo, nine, Jackson Lloyd, seven and Emmanuelle Sheelah, five (pictured Erica Baxter with James Packer)
‘It is my biggest regret that I let my marriage to Erica fail. It is what it is and she is doing an incredible job with the kids and we are in a great place,’ he commented
Erica lives with the children in Los Angeles where they can enjoy ‘anonymity’ outside of the Packer ‘fishbowl.’ But Packer tries not to go more than two weeks at a time before seeing them.
The new Crown Sydney complex at Barangaroo the 50-year-old is constructing will feature an apartment and bedrooms for each of his children. But for now he likes the positive atmosphere they’re surrounded by in sunny LA.
As for Erica, their six-year marriage fell through in September 2013, but they’re still very much in each others lives.
Despite their differences, Packer describes the 40-year-old as a good mother who proves herself everyday
Despite their differences, Packer describes the 40-year-old as a good mother who proves herself everyday.
Coincidentally Erica hails from NSW country town Gunnedah – the same place Packer’s rumoured supermodel ex-girlfriend Miranda Kerr was raised.
While he is equally known for his entrepreneurial skills as he is in his choice of partners, Packer is most excited about making the press for finishing Crown Sydney and returning to the city he once called home.