SOTH 1.10

Michael Jeffries, the former Abercrombie & Fitch CEO facing sex trafficking charges, may be unfit to stand trial, according to his lawyers. Court documents filed in the Eastern District of New York and obtained by “South O’ the Highway” reveal that a neuropsychologist diagnosed the 80-year-old with dementia with behavioral disturbance, Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia in October 2024. Defense attorneys Brian Bieber and Alek Ubieta, along with prosecutors, have agreed to a two-day competency hearing in June, where both expert and non-expert witnesses would testify. Jeffries, who is currently free on a $10 million bond, pleaded not guilty in October to charges of federal sex trafficking and interstate prostitution. Jeffries and his partner Matthew Smith, as well as associate James Jacobson, are accused of recruiting aspiring male models under the guise of career advancement and pressuring them to attend “sex events” at locations including Jeffries’ former Hamptons home, New York City, and hotels in England, France, Italy, Morocco and Saint Barthélémy. In 2021, Jeffries sold his sprawling Water Mill estate for $28 million. The seven-acre property featured approximately 12,000 square feet of living space, including a two-story library, five bedrooms, and six bathrooms.

The glamorous life once curated by influencer Candice Miller, known for her popular “Mama & Tata” Instagram account, has taken a devastating turn. Candice’s husband, Brandon Miller, died by suicide last July at their family’s Water Mill home, leaving behind $33.6 million in debt and just $8,000 in a bank account, according to court filings cited by The New York Times. Candice, who chronicled her lavish lifestyle in New York City and the Hamptons online, has now taken down her “Mama & Tata” blog and Instagram account. The couple, married in 2009, shared their journey as parents and social fixtures in the Hamptons scene, where their jet-setting lifestyle captivated thousands of followers. Brandon, who was 43, reportedly left a suicide note for Candice, informing her of $15 million in life insurance policies. However, the family’s financial struggles have come into sharp focus since his death. The seven-bedroom, eight-bathroom, 8,600-square-foot Hamptons property, described as their “main asset,” was listed for $15.5 million in August and has reportedly been sold. The widow, now raising two daughters, has since relocated to Miami Beach, reportedly staying in a loaned home connected to a relative of fashion designer Diane von Furstenberg. Candice has not commented publicly on the situation. Brandon’s mother passed away in late 2024, with Brandon’s sister, Maurley Miller, describing the events as “absolutely devastating.” “The pain is indescribable,” she said.

We hear…

Bravo fans are reeling from the breakup of one of the network’s most beloved couples. Summer House star Paige Desorbo, who has spent the past six summers as a permanent fixture of the Hamptons’ social scene with her costars and Bravo cameras, revealed on her podcast Giggly Squad that she and Southern Charm star Craig Conover ended their three-year relationship. Desorbo, 32, shared the news with co-host and best friend, comedian Hannah Berner — herself a Westhampton Beach resident — and assured listeners there’s “no bad blood” between her and Conover. “I think we’ll always be friends,” she said. It wasn’t only the Bravo fanbase who were shaken by the news. While co-hosting CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live with Andy Cohen and Anderson Cooper, Mad Men actor Jon Hamm weighed in, calling the split “the end of an era” and joking that he had to “pour one out for Craig and Paige.” A new season of Summer House is set to air in February. A new season of Summer House is set to air in February. 

Gwyneth Paltrow was in a reflective mood when ringing in the new year — sharing some personal milestones and farewells from 2024 in her Goop newsletter and later on Instagram. The actress and lifestyle mogul revealed that she said “a bunch of goodbyes”, including to her Los Angeles home and the chapter of life where she and her children lived under one roof. Paltrow, who owns a property in Amagansett, appears to be leaning into her East Coast life. She’s been giving her social media followers a peek into her New York City adventures, from gym sessions at the Remedy Place in New York City to glamorous appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and The Drew Barrymore Show.

Montauk resident Naomi Watts is kicking off 2025 with a personal and empowering new project. The Academy Award-winning actress will release her book, Dare I Say It: Everything I Wish I’d Known About Menopause, on Jan. 21. In it, Watts delves into her experience with perimenopause, which she began navigating at just 36 while trying to conceive. Now 56, Watts has turned her journey into advocacy, founding Stripes — a wellness brand offering science-backed products for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. In an interview with Katie Couric Media, she opened up about the pressures of aging in Hollywood. “I was extremely nervous about how perimenopause would impact my career,” Watts revealed. “For too long, the norm in Hollywood has been, ‘Don’t call attention to your age if you’re over 23.’ But I’m proud to be part of a generation of women changing that conversation and creating more space for women of every age.”

Sightings…

Alexa Ray Joel celebrated her 35th birthday with her fiancé Ryan Gleason, mom Christie Brinkley and Mindy Moak at The American Hotel. Alexa also shouted out Sag Harbor Florist for delivering the most beautiful bouquet, gifted to her from her famous father, Billy Joel. 

Influencer Meg McCartney recently stopped at Sant Ambreous in Southampton for a hot chocolate to warm up after taking a brisk walk outside.

Katie Lee Biegel was spotted dining at Hampton Chutney Co. in East Hampton on Jan. 2.