The ex-boyfriend of socialite Hollie Nasser – whose 2021 marriage split became a cause célèbre within Sydney’s eastern suburbs – has had a challenging few months after getting involved a sundown scuffle at a swanky Rose Bay bar.
James Hodgman began dating Ms Nasser following the demise of her short-lived relationship with investor Charlie Aitken – the former husband of her one-time best friend Ellie Aitken – but they quietly split earlier this year.
With his latest romance over, Mr Hodgman, a father of four, now seems to be on a career break following an incident in February when he brawled with two members of staff at the Empire Lounge at the Sydney Seaplanes terminal.
Mr Hodgman was arrested on February 17 and charged with assaulting bartender Bipin Bhattarai and venue manager Michael-Ross Mendoza Bray.
He due to face court in December for the charges.
James Hodgman (right), the ex-boyfriend of socialite Hollie Nasser (left), has had a challenging few months after getting involved a sundown scuffle at a swanky Rose Bay bar
Mr Hodgman now seems to be on a career break following an incident in February when he brawled with two members of staff at Rose Bay’s Empire Lounge (pictured)
Eastern suburbs marriage scandal
Sydney socialite Ellie Aitken’s life was turned upside down in late 2021 when her husband Charlie Aitken, a high-profile investment banker, ran off with her best friend Hollie Nasser – ending two marriages in the process.
The move caused a scandal in the tight-knit eastern suburbs, particularly since Hollie was not only Ellie’s best friend, but married to Charlie’s business partner Christopher Nasser.
Despite the drama, the Aitkens tried to remain on good terms throughout the separation for the sake of their two children.
In May 2021, Daily Mail Australia revealed Hollie and Charlie had quietly parted ways, noting the public pressure was too much for them to bear.
Christopher and Hollie Nasser are pictured with Ellie and Charlie Aitken
Built over the glistening waters of Rose Bay, the Empire Lounge is home to Sydney Seaplanes, a well-known eastern suburbs restaurant and watering hole.
Mr Hodgman had the world at his feet: a young family, a comfortable life in the city’s east, and a well-paid executive position at Citibank – home of big bonuses.
But as his personal life hit a hurdle and his relationship ended, Mr Hodgman appears to have decided to part ways with the bank recently.
‘I can confirm James Hodgman resigned,’ a Citibank staffer told Daily Mail Australia.
He marked his exit from the company with farewell drinks at Paddington’s Four in Hand Hotel alongside his former colleagues.
Bartender Bipin Bhattarai (pictured) was one of two staff members allegedly assaulted by Mr Hodgman in February at the Empire Lounge
Citibank employees attended the Four in Hand Hotel in Paddington for Mr Hodgman’s send-off drinks in June. Mr Hodgman is circled
‘To my besties at Citi, 13 amazing years, love every single one of you, amazing memories thank you,’ he wrote on Instagram at the time.
Unemployment doesn’t seem to bother Hodgman, with his Instagram profile showing him living the dream on Waikiki beach.
Mr Hodgman’s relationship with mother-of-two Ms Nasser followed his split from ex-wife Nicole ‘Nikki’ Crebar, with whom he shares four children, about 18 months ago.
The pair were the talk of Sydney’s eastern suburbs in the mid-2000s thanks to their good looks and seemingly limitless professional success.
Ms Crebar formerly worked for Kerry Packer’s publishing arm ACP and now runs The Event Group, a fashion and lifestyle production company.
Mr Hodgman, who recently left his job at City Bank, seems to be living an idyllic beach lifestyle in Hawaii, according to his Instagram account
Mr Hodgman’s relationship with Ms Nasser followed his split from ex-wife Nicole ‘Nikki’ Crebar, with whom he shares four children, about 18 months ago. (They are pictured together in 2011)