Disgraced Former Deputy Mayor Spotted in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
Property developer and former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has been seen publicly with his new girlfriend in an affluent area of eastern Sydney. The pair were photographed at Indigo Cafe in Double Bay on Sunday, with Mehajer notably sporting an ankle monitor and what appeared to be a recent tattoo on his calf.
Mehajer, who was released from correctional facilities in July 2025, had earlier this month announced his new relationship on social media. In a cryptic post, he shared a selfie with his partner, whose face was blurred, accompanying it with an affectionate caption: “With my best friend, my soulmate, and my forever Queen (Inshallah),” along with a pink heart emoji.
Public Appearance and Legal Setbacks
Since his highly-publicized release, the 39-year-old Mehajer has maintained a relatively low profile, aside from occasional updates on his private Instagram account, court appearances, and running errands in his Tesla Model 3. Sunday’s outing included a stop at Indigo Cafe for coffee and juice with his new companion.
This sighting follows a significant legal setback for Mehajer just weeks prior. A Sydney court dismissed his application for an apprehended violence order (AVO) against his former partner, whom he was previously incarcerated for assaulting. Court documents revealed Mehajer alleged feeling harassed and unsafe, citing issues with electronic devices and claims that his former partner had gained control of his Apple iCloud account and email by altering passwords and linking her telephone number.
The AVO application was dismissed last month. It was determined that Mehajer had not been granted the necessary leave by a Supreme Court judge to initiate such proceedings, particularly after being declared a ‘vexatious litigant’ in 2022. This classification restricts Mehajer from launching any civil proceedings in New South Wales courts without explicit court permission, including private AVOs.
Background on Vexatious Litigant Status
The ‘vexatious litigant’ ruling stemmed from Mehajer’s attempt to sue 17 defendants for $52 million concerning the fallout of a development project that led to his bankruptcy. His legal representative argued in court that the vexatious litigant orders did not prevent her client from pursuing procedural applications within criminal proceedings, suggesting a private AVO could transition into a criminal matter if breached.
Previous Incarceration and Current Status
Mehajer had been in custody since November 2020, serving back-to-back sentences for various offenses, including lying to a court and domestic violence charges against a former partner. While he has admitted to fraud offenses, Mehajer maintains his innocence regarding the domestic violence convictions, asserting they “simply didn’t happen.” An appeal against these convictions is currently pending before the Court of Criminal Appeal.
He remains subject to an existing AVO, which prohibits contact with the woman in question and travel to the NSW Central Coast. Earlier this year, Mehajer informed his 127,000 Instagram followers that he is penning a memoir, hinting at revelations about his past experiences.
Parole Conditions and Social Media Return
Prior to his release, the NSW State Parole Authority determined that Mehajer had completed all available prison programs and that his rehabilitation would be best served under community supervision. His strict parole conditions include mandatory drug and alcohol testing, participation in domestic violence programs if directed, and a prohibition on associating with outlaw motorcycle gang members or associates.
Mehajer reappeared on social media shortly after his release, expressing gratitude and commitment to fulfilling his parole expectations. He also acknowledged the support of his family, friends, and legal representative.
Past Notoriety and Lavish Lifestyle
Mehajer first gained significant public attention with his extravagant $1 million wedding in 2015, which involved a helicopter arrival, a motorcade of luxury vehicles, and the temporary closure of a Sydney street. The event drew controversy after neighbors received misleading flyers about potential car towing. Despite the ensuing public and police reaction, Mehajer remained unrepentant, expressing aspirations of becoming a “superstar.” The marriage ended approximately eight months later.
