James Packer made a rare appearance at the Cannes Film Festival last week, but it was the woman on his arm who really sparked intrigue.
The Australian billionaire, 56, walked the red carpet with his rumored new girlfriend Renée Blythewood, a glamorous model and philanthropist from Nashville, Tennessee.
Renée, who previously used the surname Blythewood-Hall, has carved out a successful modeling career since the age of 10 and often appears at exclusive red carpet events.
Her Instagram page showcases a lifestyle of jet-setting opulence, and the socialite regularly shares photos of herself modeling stunning designer outfits around the world.
Among the places he has visited recently are Tokyo, a French ski resort called Courchevel, Paris, Aspen and Argentina, where Packer has his Ellerstina polo ranch.
Who is Renée Blythewood? Inside the glamorous life of James Packer’s American model girlfriend, after the couple debuted their romance at the Cannes Film Festival (both pictured)
Renée is a single mother to her 16-year-old son Levi, whom she reportedly welcomed during a past relationship with a photographer.
While she has never spoken publicly about her love life, Renée is believed to have briefly dated American television host Ryan Seacrest in 2015.
It’s no secret to the celebrity scene, Renée is also a former friend of Amber Heard, but the pair reportedly had a falling out in 2017.
Renée, who previously used the surname Blythewood-Hall, has carved out a successful modeling career since the age of 10 and often appears at exclusive red carpet events.
Her Instagram page showcases a lifestyle of jet-setting opulence, and the socialite regularly shares photos of herself modeling stunning designer outfits around the world.
Before finding success as an international model, the glamazon appeared as a child actor in roles on Disney and Nickelodeon.
She also worked as a preschool teacher when she was in her teens and early twenties.
More recently, Renée dedicates her free time to philanthropy, volunteering for charities such as the Children’s Oncology Support Fund and the Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, which raises funds for pediatric cancer research.
Among the places he has visited recently are Tokyo, a French ski resort called Courchevel, Paris, Aspen and Argentina, where Packer has his Ellerstina polo ranch.
Renée is a single mother to her 16-year-old son Levi (left), whom she reportedly welcomed during a past relationship with a photographer.
She has also worked with international youth-focused charity Global Volunteers and Rising Academies, which focuses on supporting schools in Africa.
Renée recently visited Poland to work with Ukrainian refugees, transforming a warehouse into a home and school.
speaking to Glamor Of her passion for helping women and children, Renée said, “I was a very young mother, and as I venture out into the world, I understand the challenges that come with being a single mother.”
Renée dedicates her free time to philanthropy, volunteering for charities such as the Children’s Oncology Support Fund and Gabrielle’s Angel Foundation, which raise funds for pediatric cancer research.
She has also worked with international youth-focused charity Global Volunteers and Rising Academies, which focuses on supporting schools in Africa. (Pictured volunteering at a Rwanda school in 2023)
“I think that fueled my passion for helping women, single mothers and children in particular.”
Renée is believed to have started dating James in late 2023.
The couple went public with their relationship last week when they were spotted at the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, with photos shared on Renee’s Instagram showing them together on the red carpet.
Recently speaking to Glamor about her passion for helping women and children, Renée said, “I was a very young mother, and as I venture out into the world, I understand the challenges that come with being a single mother.”
Renée was seen smiling alongside the mega-rich businessman as they posed for a photo with a group of friends on the amFAR red carpet on Friday night.
Looking like a movie star, Renée cut a glamorous figure in an extravagant silver jeweled dress that showed off her incredible figure as she posed for the cameras.
James cut a dapper figure in a navy suit as he posed with his arm around Renée for the group photo at the annual AIDS fundraising event.
The couple went public with their relationship last week when they were spotted at the star-studded Cannes Film Festival, with photos shared on Renee’s Instagram showing them together on the red carpet.
Renée had posed alone on the red carpet before joining James and her other friends at the event, which was also attended by A-list stars including Heidi Klum and Bella Hadid.
The couple reportedly enjoyed a series of low-key dinners together during their stay in Cannes, while Renée is said to have joined James on his luxury yacht.
The luxury yacht was reportedly moored off Antibes, France, for the past week after traveling from Barcelona earlier this month for the esteemed film festival.
James, a former director of Crown Resorts, is currently sailing around Europe on his annual luxury Mediterranean voyage.
James was previously married to Erica Packer. They married in 2007 and separated in 2013, but continue to co-parent their children: Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle.
Erica reportedly received a $100 million divorce settlement and purchased a family home in Los Angeles shortly after the breakup.
James also bought an $80 million mansion in Los Angeles so he can be closer to Erica and their children when he’s in town.
James was previously married to Erica Packer (pictured in 2012). They married in 2007 and separated in 2013, but continue to co-parent their children: Indigo, Jackson and Emmanuelle.
When Erica visits Sydney, she often lives with her ex-husband and children in James’ $72 million Crown penthouse.
Erica has since found love again with Shannon Bennett and they reportedly bought a house together.
Shannon shares children Phoenix, Hendrix, Xascha, Xanthe, Xahlia and Margaux with ex-partner Madeleine West.
Prior to his relationship with Erica, James was married to Jodhi Meares and they have remained friends since their split.
They married at a lavish ceremony in Sydney in 1999, attended by around 750 guests and featuring Elton John.
However, they separated three years later, in 2002, and divorced shortly after.
