SOTH 1.31
The Hamptons have long been a favored retreat for one of the world’s most powerful couples — Beyoncé and Jay-Z — but sightings of the music moguls are rare once the summer season fades. This year, however, Jay-Z has stayed in East Hampton well beyond the usual departure of high-profile visitors, keeping an unusually low profile. On Jan. 17, the “99 Problems” rapper was spotted walking alone and bundled up against the winter chill. Dressed in a Nike tracksuit with the hood pulled tightly over his head, he layered an extra-long black coat for warmth as he took his routine morning walk. His East End hideaway is providing a calming retreat at a particularly turbulent time. In December, attorney Tony Buzbee filed a lawsuit in New York alleging that Sean “Diddy” Combs and a celebrity “John Doe” who was later revealed to be Jay-Z assaulted a 13-year-old girl at a 2000 MTV Video Music Awards after-party. Jay-Z has forcefully denied the claims, calling them “false and defamatory,” and has since countersued Buzbee, alleging extortion (which the attorney denies). Jay-Z’s legal team has petitioned for the case’s dismissal, arguing the allegations lack credibility. The legal battle is ongoing. Buzbee has gained attention for representing alleged victims who have accused Diddy of sexual assault, allegations that Diddy has categorically denied.
Meanwhile, Beyonce’s mom, Tina Knowles, revealed she had lost her Malibu home amid the Los Angeles wildfire crisis. In response to the tragedy, Beyoncé donated $2.5 million to a newly launched LA Fire Relief Fund created by her charitable foundation, BeyGOOD. It’s not known if any damage was done to the power-couple’s $88 million Bel-Air mansion. There was something to celebrate for a different Hamptons regular last week. The My Unorthodox Life star Julia Haart emerged victorious in her high-stakes battle against ex-husband Silvio Scaglia — winning control of the business she ran during her marriage, their $65 million Tribeca penthouse, and nearly $10 million in cash. It’s been a brutal fight since 2022, when Haart told Scaglia she was divorcing him. He’s said to have retaliated by trying to oust her from the company. The two once ran Elite World Group and luxury lingerie label La Perla, but their separation ignited a legal firestorm, with allegations flying from both sides. “I’m feeling incredibly grateful to God and to Judge Pearlman for seeing justice done,” Haart, 53, told “South O’ the Highway” in a statement. “It’s been a long and difficult battle but our family has emerged victorious. I feel so blessed to have such extraordinary children and such loyal, loving friends.” In 2010, Forbes estimated 66-year-old Scaglia’s net worth to be $1 billion. Both were previously divorced, and Haart has four children with her ex-husband Yosef Hendler.
The East Hampton hospitality scene is about to get another shake-up – The Hedges Inn has been sold to Andrew and Sarah Wetenhall, the owners of Palm Beach’s famed Colony Hotel. “Its location, its historic nature, and frankly its untapped potential to be open and of service to the community are really what attracted us,” Sarah told Women’s Wear Daily. “It is the cornerstone of East Hampton village. In a lot of ways, it reminded me of The Colony and its prominent position right in the village. There are a lot of similarities.” The Colony Hotel with its signature pink façade has long been a magnet for A-list visitors, drawing guests such as Rod Stewart, Tommy Hilfiger, Venus Williams, and Sylvester Stallone. It was recently crowned the number-one hotel in Florida by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. For The Hedges, the Wetenhalls hope to infuse that same energy while respecting the inn’s deep-rooted history in East Hampton, having been built in 1873. The Wetenhalls are no strangers to the Hamptons, splitting their time between New York City, Sag Harbor, and Palm Beach. Sarah serves as a trustee for the East Hampton Historical Society and is on the Southampton Hospital Foundation, while Andrew is a board member of the Southampton Hospital Association. Speculation about The Hedges’ future has been circulating since last summer, when Zero Bond owner Scott Sartiano attempted to transform the inn into an East End version of his members-only Manhattan hotspot. There was massive opposition to Sartiano’s plans from the village board and residents, so it didn’t materialize. However, John Cumming, the inn’s former owner, expressed confidence in this forthcoming transition. “It is of great personal importance to entrust this legacy to someone with deep appreciation for the unique charm and history of East Hampton,” he said. “The Wetenhall family exceeds that wish. Under their stewardship, I am confident that The Hedges will not only sustain its historic significance but also evolve to meet the needs and expectations of both locals and travelers.” For now, no major structural changes are planned before the summer opening, though updates to the bathrooms, carpeting, and furniture will take place after Labor Day. The biggest new addition? A three-meal-a-day restaurant open to the public—something rare in East Hampton. “Mrs. Caroline Hedges was famous for her breakfasts, and we’re excited to honor that tradition by offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” Sarah shares. They also plan to introduce signature Colony traditions, such as trivia nights.
We hear…
TikTok personality Christina “Tinx” Najjar is expanding her reach beyond social media, stepping into the literary world with her debut novel, Hotter in the Hamptons. Set against the backdrop of the East End’s elite social scene, the book follows Lola, a rising fashion star in New York whose career unravels after a “very public snafu,” according to the synopsis. Seeking refuge, she escapes to the Hamptons—only to find herself living next door to the sharp-tongued critic whose brutal exposé helped fuel her downfall.
The 34-year-old content creator has amassed more than 100 million likes and 1.5 million followers on TikTok. She built a devoted audience through her dating advice, podcast It’s Me, Tinx, and her 2023 self-help book The Shift: Change Your Perspective, Not Yourself. “Writing a novel has been my absolute dream forever,” Tinx told “South O’ the Highway”. “I’ve always loved getting lost in a good book—the way fiction lets us escape, laugh, cry, decompress, and enjoy life through someone else’s story.” Hotter in the Hamptons is set for release on May 6.
Meanwhile, Hilaria Baldwin, an Amagansett resident and wife of Alec Baldwin, has announced her new book, Manual Not Included, on Instagram. The mother of seven promises an honest look at the joys and challenges of parenting, partnering, and “life-ing.” Hilaria describes the book as a guide to navigating life without a manual, focusing on shared experiences and resilience.
Sightings…
Two Hamptonites, Naomi Watts and Brooke Shields, appeared on The Drew Barrymore Show in New York City on Jan. 22 to promote their new books.
Bridgehampton resident Susan Rockefeller was spotted on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in mid-January having lunch with friend Sutton Stracke, who stars on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Joey Wölffer, a co-owner of Wölffer Estate Vineyard in Sagaponack, organized a private dinner on Jan. 15 at The Club at The Moore Miami, showcasing Wölffer wine pairings. Model Karolina Kurkova was among attendees.
Ally Shapiro, daughter of Sag Harbor resident Jill Zarin, was spotted dining at Jean’s restaurant in New York City on Jan. 18.
Summer House stars Carle Radke, Kyle Cooke and West Wilson — known for spending their summers filming in the Hamptons for the Bravo reality series — hosted a Los Angeles fire relief benefit event at City Winery in New York City on Jan. 24 with other stars from the TV network.
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