Hi, I’m Lucy Manly, and welcome to The Group Chat! As Australia’s go-to society insider, I’m here to give you the absolute latest gossip – often before it even hits the news. Consider me your source for all things trending and talked about. Let’s dive in!
Banker’s text appeal
Etienne Alexiou was once defined by billion-dollar trades.
Currently, he’s gained more notoriety for embarrassing chat logs – which are now being presented as evidence in his unfair dismissal lawsuit – filled with references to mothers at the school gates, referred to as ‘MILFs’, and claims of having a relationship with a television actress.
Alexiou, ANZ’s former global head of balance sheet trading, was dramatically sacked back in 2015.
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After ten years, his legal dispute with the major Big Fourbank continues, and his inappropriate jokes are now being publicly revealed during court proceedings.
During a rather surprising moment in 2011, he was questioned about whether any ‘MILFs’ – an internet slang term – were in attendance at his daughter’s ceremony when she started at the well-regarded Ascham School.
Asked for the acronym’s meaning in court, he spelled it out: ‘Mother I’d like to f***.’
When pressed further, he conceded it was ‘inappropriate’ – especially to his wife and daughters.
Interestingly, Alexiou’s wife was also a student at Ascham years ago. Their daughter, who is now in her late teens, graduated from the school last year.
Okay, let me tell you, reviewing these transcripts sometimes reveals *quite* a bit! I was honestly shocked to read that Alexiou proudly announced, ‘I got laid!!!’ – and it was about his *own* wife! Honestly, it’s just… not the kind of thing you expect to come across, and definitely not what I’d call charming. Definitely awkward.
Oh my god, can you believe it? They brought up those messages! The ones where he was joking about how unbelievably embarrassing it would be to ask his family doctor for Viagra – and not even for *within* his marriage! It was just…the thought of him even *talking* about that with his GP was mortifying, apparently. I mean, he was joking, but it’s still… wow. It just shows you what he was thinking, doesn’t it? I’ve read those messages a million times, and it still blows my mind!
It’s the sort of shockingly personal workplace disclosure that makes you want to quit using email. As barrister Kate Morgan SC, representing ANZ, put it: ‘To talk about your wife in that way is worse than offensive, isn’t it?‘ Alexiou confirmed that was his understanding.
He also entertained colleagues with a story about sleeping with an unidentified actress from Home and Away – a story that came up after a coworker asked about the ‘oldest woman he had slept with’. Additionally, he mentioned being ‘tired of drinking Dom Perignon straight from the bottle at strip clubs’.
It’s worth mentioning that Alexiou claims these messages were simply caricature and intended as criticism of bankers.
The best satirists are rarely understood in their lifetime…
Meanwhile, the courtroom quips have earned him an unflattering nickname in banking circles.
A source told me he’s now being referred to as “Banker Bruce Lehrmann” due to the fact that he is “going back for his hat”.
Just to clarify, the comparison to Lehrmann focuses solely on Alexiou making a mistake by initiating a lawsuit he likely shouldn’t have. Otherwise, the two men share no similarities. It’s important to note that the legal action is the only point of connection.
ANZ maintains that the father of three lost his job because of inappropriate messages. However, Alexiou argues he was forced to leave after reporting potential manipulation of interest rates within the bank bill swap rate (BBSW) scandal – a situation that reportedly cost ANZ a $50million fine.
So, we’ve all been following the tawdry court case – but who is Etienne Alexiou?
After leaving his position at ANZ, he has transitioned into a new role as a director at the private equity firm Belay Capital, which is located in Double Bay.
He’s also married to Berry Alexiou, a very well-connected woman – one source described her family as being from very old money.
Berry is the child of advertising executive Malcolm Spry and Helen Spry, a restaurant owner famous for running Chez Oz, a popular spot in Kings Cross during the 1980s.
It’s just… so *perfect*, you know? When I finally got my hands on Etienne’s old chat logs, they weren’t just casual work talk. They were like stepping back in time to Chez Oz during its *glory days* – all bubbly and extravagant. Honestly, it felt less like reading messages and more like experiencing the whole champagne-soaked scene! It’s exactly the Etienne I always imagined – a total legend.
The trial is expected to last six weeks, so we’re really just at the beginning – and Alexiou is presenting questionable behavior reminiscent of the Chez Oz era of the 1980s. It’s as if nothing has changed.
It’s understandable to wonder if Alexiou’s marriage is struggling given the intense questioning he faced, but it appears the couple is actually doing well.
I was so excited when I heard they bought an incredible five-bedroom home in Woollahra back in July! The real estate listing described it as a ‘timeless residence of remarkable grace and grandeur’, and honestly, it sounds absolutely perfect. It’s like something out of a dream, and I can’t wait to see what they do with the place. It really is a palace!
It’s encouraging to see improvement, particularly considering the difficulties faced back in November 2015 when this issue began. At that time, Alexiou was forced to sell his property in Point Piper for over $8 million, just a year and a half after purchasing it.
Help for the poor
Oh, you guys, I’m just *so* worried about Kashaya Williams, the wedding planner who used to do all those amazing events in Double Bay! It’s just awful – she’s really struggling right now, and honestly? It’s heartbreaking to hear that all those rich friends of hers aren’t exactly lining up to help her out. I mean, after all she’s done for them… it’s just not right!
The mother, who is connected to the world of celebrities, became bankrupt after a poorly executed fraud. This scheme involved the estate of her deceased grandfather.
This was a significant disappointment. Sources say Williams, now in her late 30s, is reportedly requesting financial assistance from affluent friends to help her through a difficult time.
It’s not exactly pocket change, so it’s no surprise she’s hearing crickets.
Now unable to cover rent, she’s hoping her ritzy contacts will come to the rescue.
Naturally, Williams has promised to pay them back – once she receives a settlement she’s expecting.
It’s funny, actually. While she’s asking me for money, she’s also complaining that a lot of people in the eastern suburbs aren’t as wealthy as they let on. It’s a bit rich, coming from her, but that’s just what she’s like. I find it quite amusing, though a little frustrating, honestly. She always seems to have something to say about everyone’s finances, even while requesting a loan herself!
Oh, honestly, the nerve of her! It’s just… it’s so typical. I can’t believe she’s acting like *they’re* the ones being difficult. Does it even occur to Williams that they actually *do* have the funds? It’s not that they can’t help, it’s that they simply won’t lend her any! I just… I can’t with her sometimes.
Williams’ financial history is patchy, to say the least.
As a lifestyle expert, I’ve been following this case, and it’s quite a difficult situation. She unfortunately faced bankruptcy again in March, and then didn’t appear for her sentencing in April. This was related to some previous unpaid fines and driving offences – a really tough spot to be in, and it highlights how easily things can spiral if you don’t address financial and legal issues promptly. It’s a reminder that taking responsibility and seeking help are crucial, and sometimes professional guidance can make all the difference.
Following a missed court appearance, people who used to live near her in Double Bay stated that she had left her three-bedroom Federation-style house ‘quite a while ago’.
Following weeks of worry about how she was doing, Williams was seen in late May enjoying drinks at The Royal, a casual pub next to Totti’s in Bondi.
She appeared unattached and open to meeting someone new while reconnecting with friends. She had previously been romantically connected to Michael Dunworth, a crypto entrepreneur.
Only a few months before, the mother of one experienced a significant setback in the Federal Circuit and Family Court when her attempt to cancel her bankruptcy was unsuccessful.
Her case was dismissed with costs incurred on March 27.
A court ruling, as reported by the Daily Mail, has prolonged her bankruptcy until 2032 because she didn’t follow the required procedures.
She initially faced bankruptcy following a heated dispute with her family regarding the inheritance from her affluent grandfather’s will. The family disagreement led to her financial downfall.
As a longtime follower of Alan Grant’s work, I was saddened to learn of his passing in 2019 at the age of 98. It’s been quite a story since then, though. Apparently, his relatives have been dealing with a complicated estate battle for years, centering around claims made by Williams. She asserted that Dr. Grant had gifted her his $900,000 home in Killcare, a beautiful property overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It’s been a long and difficult process for everyone involved, trying to sort everything out after his death. The details have been fascinating, and it’s a shame such a brilliant radiologist’s legacy is also tied up in this dispute.
However, her uncle, Professor Seth Grant, a neuroscientist, and her aunt, Tansin, were able to legally reclaim the property in 2020 through a court case involving Williams and her mother, Nerez Grant.
The NSW Supreme Court determined that the key letter transferring the property to Williams was a fake, and that Williams actively and knowingly took part in a deceptive plan.
It was reported two years ago that Williams still had an outstanding debt of $754,543.33 to her grandfather’s estate, stemming from two previous court rulings against her. Currently, it’s unknown how much of that debt she has managed to pay off.
Dinner is served!
Having spent years leading high-end kitchens in cities like New York and Sydney, acclaimed hospitality professional and occasional actor Rupert Noffs, along with chef Matty Bennett – previously celebrated at Longrain – have traded creating elaborate dishes for a more hands-on approach with their latest project: Australian Maid.
Imagine getting the complete ‘husband experience’ – they’ll prepare a meal, present it beautifully like at a restaurant, and then thoroughly wash the dishes until they’re spotless.
However, hold on a moment, everyone: after dessert, absolutely no mischief is allowed. (We really wish there was!)
They’ve had the pleasure of cooking for many famous faces, including Martha Stewart, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Toni Collette, plus a host of other well-known people.
Having returned to Sydney’s eastern suburbs, they are now offering their refined New York style of service to wealthy clients and exclusive homes.
Noffs explained on a local Facebook page that we are recognized for being highly detailed, respectful of privacy, and professional.
And finally… guess who, don’t sue!
About ten years ago, which headmaster of an all-boys school took steps to address rumors of a possible scandal happening at the school?
Instead of immediately contacting the police or worrying parents with an email, they hired a private investigator to look into the accusations.
Perhaps this was for the best: the gumshoe found no evidence of wrongdoing.
I heard the headmaster discreetly asked former students for their opinions, and they all confirmed the damaging rumors were untrue.
- Note: The subjects of this blind item are not mentioned or pictured anywhere else in this column. The school in question is also not mentioned or pictured elsewhere.
- Additional reporting by Kinta Walsh-Cotton
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2025-10-02 16:54