Billionaire James packer’s stoush with his best mate and Channel Nine CEO David Gyngell will no doubt go down in history as the greatest bust-up ever seen in the top end of town.
Of course, it’s unedifying to see to two grown men, leaders in their respective fields, carrying on like schoolboys in the streets of Bondi. It’s just unlucky for both of them that a photographer happened to be standing nearby at the time they decided to vent their frustrations with each other.
The resultant fisticuffs has been splashed all over Australia’s media today, complete with fun-poking commentary and deeper analysis about the rift that has opened between the pair since Packer separated from his former wife Erica Baxter six months ago.
That seems to be at the heart of the disagreement with David Gyngell incurring the wrath of his big friend after telling James that his behaviour regarding his marriage split was something less than acceptable, though the trigger was a Channel Nine van that the billionaire – long jealous of his privacy – assumed was parked near his apartment.
Packer was snapped leaving his Bondi apartment this morning sporting a painful looking black eye, though Gyngell seems to have come off lightly with no visible injuries. However, the most serious fallout might not be physical.
Gyngell’s board issued a statement yesterday announcing it retained full confidence in him as CEO of Nine, but the PR disaster could hold ramifications James Packer in his dealing in Macau and japan, where he is seeking to expand his casino empire.
Add to that the news that police are now investigating the fight, despite the fact that they have not received a complaint from either party.
In a statement released earlier today, police said: “Eastern Suburbs local area command has commenced an investigation into an incident that occurred about 2pm Sunday on Sir Thomas Mitchell Road near the intersection of Campbell Parade at Bondi Beach,” a police spokesman said. “Police have not yet received an official complaint but have appealed to anyone who witnessed, or has vision or images of the incident, to contact Eastern Suburbs LAC on 9369 9899.”
It seems that despite their joint statement about a continuing friendship, the former best mates may still have some explaining to do.
Related: Packer and Gyngell still friends
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