Billionaire Merivale owner Justin Hemmes and his model girlfriend Madeline Holtznagel captivated guests at the company’s 31st anniversary celebration in Sydney on Wednesday night.
Glamorous Looks Steal the Spotlight
Madeline, 29, turned heads in a striking black cut-out maxi dress from Désordre Boutique. The outfit featured a daring thigh-high split and paired perfectly with strappy heels. She styled her blonde hair in an elegant updo and accessorized with gold hoop earrings, striking timeless poses throughout the Back to the ’90s themed event.
Justin, 53, complemented her elegance in a classic black tuxedo with an open-collar white shirt. His salt-and-pepper hair and confident smile exuded old-school charm and a relaxed vibe.
Party Vibes and Throwback Fun
The couple posed together repeatedly, their sleek styles and evident chemistry drawing attention. They later hit the dance floor amid a packed crowd, grooving to DJ-spun throwback hits, including a moving cover of Celine Dion’s My Heart Will Go On.
Justin fully embraced the spirit by hauling a large ’80s-style boombox onto the stage, blasting iconic dance tracks. The pair appeared relaxed and joyful, laughing and mingling with other attendees in the lively atmosphere.
Context After 2024 Controversy
The festive milestone follows a 2024 incident at The Merivales Awards at Ivy in Sydney’s CBD. Security footage captured pub patrons engaging in sexual activity in an elevator and urinating in public at various venues. The unedited video played on multiple screens with the caption ‘Big Brother is always watching,’ prompting uncomfortable laughter and shocked reactions.
Two female attendees who shared the footage described it as reflective of the company’s culture, which some former employees have called toxic. One stated, ‘I kind of couldn’t believe what I was seeing.’ Both left Merivale soon after.
An investigation highlighted the matter at the billion-dollar business, which runs 81 restaurants, pubs, and bars along Australia’s east coast.
A Merivale spokesperson clarified that the footage screened at a private, invitation-only event with no complaints received. They noted, ‘Merivale venues are comprehensively monitored by CCTV, a matter which is notified to patrons and staff with clear signage.’ The spokesperson added that such monitoring of public spaces is lawful and standard in large hospitality venues, with no reasonable expectation of privacy for patrons.
