Last month, Paulini Curuenavuli avoided jail when she was handed a six-month suspended sentence after pleading guilty to bribing a government official.
In court documents, published by The Daily Telegraph, the 35-year-old revealed her fall from grace, citing struggles with domestic violence, low self-esteem and a failed record deal.
But it was a different picture altogether on Sunday, as the singer-songwriter was seen enjoying a boozy lunch with friends in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo.
Sighting: Paulini Curuenavuli enjoyed a boozy lunch with friends in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo on Sunday, after receiving a six-month suspended sentence for bribing a government official
Paulini, who rose to fame on the first season of Australian Idol, cut a casually chic figure in a red floral print playsuit.
Ensuring she was light on her feet, the Fijian-born personality sported a pair of black strappy sandals.
Carrying a Louis Vuitton tote over one shoulder, Paulini accessorised further with gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses.
Her brunette locks styled straight and falling behind her back, the stage performer wore minimal makeup for the occasion.
Attire: The Fijian-born singer cut a casually chic figure in a red floral print playsuit
Antics: While seated at a waterfront restaurant, Paulini engaged in conversation with her friends
Jovial: She was later seen laughing and appearing carefree and relaxed
Paulini dined at one of Woolloomooloo’s waterside restaurants.
Appearing relaxed and at ease, The Bodyguard star engaged in lively conversation and was seen sharing a laugh.
Paulini checked her iPhone intermittently during the outing, before heading off solo to hail a taxi.
Staying connected: During the outing Paulini checked her iPhone intermittently
Leisurely lunch: The Bodyguard star enjoyed a few beverages with her pals
Sharing a laugh: The former Australian Idol star looked to be in high spirits
Accessory: The artist shielded her eyes behind a pair of gold-rimmed aviator sunglasses
The sighting comes after a newly-uncovered letter written to the court, prior to her sentencing last year, revealed the star’s personal struggles.
Published by The Daily Telegraph, Paulini cited her past experiences with domestic violence, low self-esteem and failed record deal.
‘I went through a very traumatic breakup from a tumultuous relationship I am embarrassed to say this was not the first relationship I had been in involving domestic violence and low self-esteem,’ she wrote.
Gesture: At one stage, Paulini ran her hands playfully through her sleek tresses
Turn of events: The sighting comes after a newly-uncovered letter written to the court, prior to her sentencing last year, revealed the stage performer’s struggles
Released documents: Published by The Daily Telegraph, Paulini cited her past experiences with domestic violence, low self-esteem and failed record deal
The letter continued: ‘In addition to the breakdown of my relationship, my failed album release had cost me my savings and the relationship with the record label.’
Claiming that she was on the brink of homelessness, Paulini revealed that she was forced to move in with her parents despite having financially supported them throughout her career.
‘I was completely overwhelmed and did not feel like a role model to my family or fans,’ she added.
She wrote: ‘I went through a very traumatic breakup from a tumultuous relationship I am embarrassed to say this was not the first relationship I had been in involving domestic violence and low self-esteem’
Paulini continued: ‘In addition to the breakdown of my relationship, my failed album release had cost me my savings and the relationship with the record label’
Relying on family: Claiming that she was on the brink of homelessness, she revealed that she was forced to move in with her parents despite having financially supported them throughout her career
‘The lack of a driver’s licence… was yet another layer to my lack of self-worth,’ read the letter.
Paulini went on to describe her decision to bribe a government official as ‘foolish’ and pleaded with her fans for forgiveness.
The entertainer pleaded guilty in September.
Self-worth: ‘I was completely overwhelmed and did not feel like a role model to my family or fans. The lack of a driver’s licence…was yet another layer to my lack of self-worth’
Reflection: Paulini went on label her decision to bribe an official as ‘foolish’ and pleaded with her fans for forgiveness. On December 15, she was sentenced at a Western Sydney court after the NSW gang squad caught her bribing a government employee to obtain a fake driver’s licence
On December 15, she was sentenced at a Western Sydney court after the NSW gang squad caught her bribing a government employee to obtain a fake driver’s licence.
Court documents revealed Paulini clocked up 11 driving offences since she first got her learner’s licence in 2002.
After her learner’s permit was suspended in March last year, she paid a Roads and Maritime Services employee $850 in exchange for an unrestricted driver’s licence, court documents said.
Pals: Paulini’s male companion during the outing, cut a polished figure in a white and blue floral print dress short, tailored white shorts and brown loafers
Preoccupied: The mystery male was spotted checking his iPhone along the wharf