Tragic End To A Troubled Life

Maverick millionaire Steve Bing’s suicide has left heartache in its wake for Liz Hurley and their son, Damian

- Nici De Wet

A man plunges 27 floors from a Los Angeles apartment building, apparently driven to desperation by the lack of human contact during lockdown.

It’s a terrible story in terrible times and if it hadn’t been for who the man was, it would probably have faded fast from the headlines, replaced by more tales of horror and heartache.

But he was Steve Bing, a 55-year-old US multimillionaire with a colourful history, famous friends – and a complicated relationship with one of the world’s most beautiful and famous women.

In the early 2000s his tempestuous 18-month romance with British actress Elizabeth Hurley dominated headlines. She became pregnant but he dumped her before her son, Damian, was born and for a long time she wanted nothing to do with him. He initially denied the boy was his, but a court-ordered DNA test proved otherwise, and he set up a $2,9 million (R49,3m) fund in Damian’s name. Liz, however, said the money was “not wanted nor welcome”.

“I’ve always made it perfectly clear to Stephen Bing that I don’t want any financial help from him whatsoever,” she said.

But following Steve’s death she disclosed they’d “become close again recently” and last spoke on Damian’s 18th birthday in April. She also posted a heartfelt Instagram post to her son’s father, which included throwback pictures of her and Steve as a couple.

“I’m saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us,” she said. “It’s a terrible end.

“I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter.”