It appears that the so-called “Tinder Swindler” has finally wriggled free from the legal complications tied to his notorious online dating escapades.

Shimon Hayut, an Israeli native, adopted the alias Simon Leviev and masqueraded as a member of a renowned billionaire diamond dynasty. Multiple women have alleged that he exploited this fabricated identity to charm and swindle them out of substantial sums of money.

In 2022, the actual Leviev family initiated legal proceedings against Simon in Israel, accusing him of damaging their reputation and misleading both women and various enterprises by misusing their family name, which they claimed severely affected their businesses.

Page Six has learned that, as of Thursday, Simon and the Leviev family have come to an agreement to resolve their conflict.

Court documents, translated for Page Six, reveal that as part of the settlement, Simon has agreed to refrain from representing himself—either directly or indirectly—as a member of the Leviev family or as having any connection to the Leviev family businesses, including LLD Diamonds USA, LLC. In exchange, the Levievs have agreed to withdraw the remainder of their lawsuit.

The matter was resolved without any determination of guilt.

It’s the last of the legal challenges facing Simon.

He served two and a half years in a Finnish prison after he was found guilty of defrauding the women. He also served 15 months in an Israeli prison after being convicted of four fraud charges, but was released after five months.

TMZ was first to report on the settlement.

The tale was covered in a hit Netflitx documentary, the “Tinder Swindler,” in 2022. It showed how he flaunted a luxurious, jet-setting lifestyle to convince the women he was an ultra-wealthy scion, only to come up with dire emergencies that, he claimed, he needed loans from the women to escape from.

Chagit Leviev, CEO of Leviev Group USA and daughter of Israeli diamond billionaire Lev Leviev, previously told Page Six that the family had spent years trying to stop him.

“We have suffered from the ‘Tinder Swindler’ for years,” she said in 2022. “We knew he was defrauding companies and other women who reached out. We tried so hard to make him stop, fought him, and reported him to the police.”

On Friday Leviev framed the settlement as a vindication.

“If they had evidence like that, I would be sitting behind bars right now,” he told Page Six. “I’m not. I’m sitting in the most expensive hotel in Brazil.”

His lawyer, Sharon Nahari, also said extradition proceedings in Germany have been closed and that there are no remaining criminal cases against him in Europe.

He also argued that public opinion turned him into a villain before the facts were fully examined.
“The world likes to find this villain, this bad guy that everybody likes to hate,” he said. “But I’m not this guy. Sorry to disappoint everyone.”

Leviev says the Netflix documentary changed his life, bringing him worldwide fame and new business opportunities.

The wife of former NFL player Marcellus Wiley, who is currently facing significant personal challenges, made her first public appearance since the start of their messy separation drama.

On Monday, Annemarie, Wiley’s spouse, initiated divorce proceedings and sought a restraining order against the 51-year-old former Pro Bowl athlete.

She attributed the decision to irreconcilable differences, alleging that Wiley engaged in ongoing and intensifying behaviors, including physical and sexual violence, verbal and emotional mistreatment, financial manipulation, and intimidation. Wiley has refuted these allegations.

This legal action followed Wiley’s arrest at the Orange County Jail on Saturday, July 4, in connection with a reported conflict in Orlando during the holiday weekend.

Annemarie, who gained fame as a former star on the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was seen publicly on Friday for the first time since these startling accusations emerged.

The 42-year-old was seen without her wedding band on her left ring finger as she stepped out of a black SUV. 

She wore a grey matching tracksuit and a simple pair of neutral-colored sneakers, while a deep blue Goyard Saint Louis Tote bag was the only pop of color in her look. 

Annemarie cut a casual figure with her blonde braids pulled back into a sleek bun and minimal makeup. 

Her stripped-back appearance comes after her filing earlier this week alleged Wiley’s abuse started back in 2012 and included a number of incidents of physical violence and four alleged rapes.

Annemarie is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of their three children, and an order denying Wiley visitation.

‘Marcellus subjects me to constant criticism, cruel and sarcastic remarks, and intimidation,’ Annemarie claims in the application.

‘His verbal and emotional abuse is constant, and his physical abuse occurs approximately once a month, and at times more frequently. I am afraid of Marcellus, and I fear for my own safety and for the safety of our children.’

That prompted Wiley to write a lengthy statement in defense, which he sent to The California Post. He called Annemarie’s allegations ‘lies’ and claimed he has ‘videos, photographs, text messages, emails, and other evidence’ that directly contradict the former reality TV star’s ‘baseless claims’.

‘I love my children with everything I am,’ Wiley said in the statement. ‘My highest priority has always been protecting them and preserving the relationship they have with both of their parents.

‘Because of the public allegations made against me by Annemarie, I have been forced to respond with evidence rather than emotion. More importantly, I owe it to my children to truthfully document what they and I have endured.’

Wiley claimed he has proof of Annemarie’s infidelity, including ‘an affair with her pregnant friend’s husband’. She was a full-time cast member on season 13 of Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’.

He continued: ‘To be frank, many friends, family members, and fans have opined that after she was kicked off “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills”, she lost her mind! Unfortunately, I must agree.

‘I never wanted my family’s issues and struggles to become public for any reason, including divorce leverage. But I unfortunately knew this day was inevitable.

‘I was willing to endure anything – even hell itself – if it meant being with my children every single day. I am their hero, and now I am fighting to make sure the positive and real image they know of me is the one that endures.

‘I am prepared to address these allegations and related matters through the legal process and with evidence. My focus remains on my children, my integrity, and the truth. Thanks for your understanding.’

The July 4 arrest affidavit alleges that Wiley threatened to kill his wife and became physical with her in front of their seven-year-old daughter in a hotel room at World Marriott.

The affidavit claims their three children, who were at the venue to attend a basketball tournament, were in the hotel room when the police arrived.

Annemarie told police that on the morning of July 3, Wiley stood over her and ‘used one finger to sternly and intentionally poke her in the cheek’, before threatening to kill her.

She also told the authorities that Wiley has an unreported history of violence towards her in the past, an allegation he denies.

After being interviewed by deputies, Wiley was released from custody on $1,000 cash bond on Sunday night.

However, in a fresh blow, it emerged earlier on Friday that he is reportedly being ordered to repay more than $500,000 that he owes to a bank.

TMZ reported that court documents show Wiley must pay up for a loan plus interest, attorney fees, late fees and other costs that total $549,429.82.

Preferred Bank reportedly sued Wiley back in December – before his recent legal troubles – and alleged he took out the loan in May 2023 and promised to repay it within a year but never did.

Wiley was originally selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 1997 NFL Draft out of Columbia University.

He spent a full decade competing in the professional league, playing as a defensive end for the Buffalo Bills, San Diego Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, and Jacksonville Jaguars.

He earned a Pro Bowl selection and Second-team All-Pro honors in 2001 after recording a career-high 13 sacks during his tenure with the Chargers.

Following his official retirement from professional football in 2006, Wiley transitioned into a national media career.

He became a familiar fixture on sports television, serving as a co-host for several prominent daily debate programs.

His broadcasting resume includes a lengthy stint at ESPN, where he co-hosted the afternoon television program SportsNation alongside a daily Los Angeles radio show.

His arrest comes just months after Wiley faced fresh allegations of sexual assault from four new accusers.

The claims, filed in New York, broaden the litigation that began in 2023 when three women accused Wiley of rape during his time at Columbia University .

Among the new accusers is a former ESPN production assistant who alleges that Wiley lured her into a hotel room under the guise of a work meeting in 2009.

Wiley has consistently and vehemently denied all sexual assault allegations.

A former deputy press secretary during the Obama administration has been dismissed from his role in Minneapolis for allegedly engaging in theft from city colleagues. The accusations suggest he took cash and credit cards from them to buy an herbal supplement designed to alleviate opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Adam Fetcher, 42, who held a communications position with the city for one year, was reportedly involved in this misconduct after his return from a sanctioned, multi-week rehabilitation program. The revelations were first published by the Minnesota Star Tribune.

The case is currently under review by the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office, according to their spokesperson. Efforts have been made to contact Fetcher’s legal representative and the attorney’s office for additional insights.

Fetcher was captured on surveillance cameras at a Minneapolis smoke shop purchasing kratom, which is used to treat opioid withdrawal symptoms but carries its own risk of addiction.

He allegedly stole a charge card from a city employee’s purse and made a $481 purchase at the Minneapolis Tobacco & Vapor shop, less than a mile from his home, the newspaper reported. Store manager Hamza Zamara said staff helped investigators identify Fetcher as the man who allegedly used fraudulent cards to make the purchase.

Authorities zeroed in on the shop after a woman called the store claiming that someone had made a purchase using her card without permission. When Fetcher visited the shop again, employees took pictures of him and followed him outside, the news report states. They later gave investigators Fetcher’s vehicle’s license plate number.

OHIO BROTHERS WHO POSED AS MIDDLE EASTERN ROYALTY RECEIVE LENGTHY SENTENCE FOR $21M FRAUD SCHEME

“We told him, ‘Hey, we know what you’re doing,’” Zamara said.

Fetcher, who earned $186,000 annually, was fired on July 1.

“Under Adam’s leadership, the Communications team has reorganized, is fully staffed, and is well positioned to manage the City’s Communications needs,” City Operations Officer Margaret Anderson Kelliher wrote in an email to staff announcing the termination.

The email did not explain the circumstances of Fetcher’s departure. However, Kelliher wrote in a separate memo that several city employees had reported missing cash, debit, or credit cards, as well as unauthorized charges, noting the incidents happened between mid-May and June.

“I know this information may be concerning and troubling, and I want to assure you that the City takes this sort of report seriously and has acted accordingly,” she wrote, according to the email obtained by the Star Tribune. “Although we cannot provide additional details, we have no reason at this time to believe there is any ongoing risk of theft.”

In addition to serving as deputy national press secretary for the Obama administration, Fetcher went on to hold senior communications roles for Patagonia, Rivian, and Lyft.

The decision surrounding LeBron James’ next team may hinge on factors far simpler than financial logistics, strategic roster changes, or enticing recruitment efforts.

The key factor might just be familiarity.

NBA analyst Evan Sidery suggests that familiarity is anticipated to be a significant influence in James’ upcoming decision, with many insiders speculating that the Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are the frontrunners in the race to sign him.

This perspective aligns with the current trends observed in betting markets.

As of this article’s release, Cleveland tops Polymarket’s latest odds at 45%, with Miami closely trailing at 31%, a notable gain of 12 points. Meanwhile, Golden State has dipped to 15%, a decline of 11 points. Philadelphia has seen a boost to 11%, leaving Minnesota farther behind at 2%.

In other words, the LeBron sweepstakes may be turning into a race between the two places that know him best.

Cleveland is obvious. James could return home for a third stint with the Cavaliers, close his career where it all began and join a team where his history with the city, franchise and ownership still carries enormous weight. Donovan Mitchell’s presence also gives Cleveland a ready-made star, not just a nostalgia pitch.

Miami offers a different kind of familiarity. James won two championships with the Heat, has long praised the franchise’s structure and culture under Pat Riley. It is also reported that the Heat are willing to bring Bronny James into the picture on a two-way contract, which would add another layer to an already emotion-filled decision.

James’s agent, Rich Paul framed the decision around “complete happiness,” not money, market size or even loyalty to Los Angeles.

That may explain why Cleveland and Miami appear to be separating from the pack.

Golden State still has a dream-team appeal, albeit a geriatric version. Paul has even acknowledged how dangerous the Warriors could be in a playoff series because of their experience, intelligence and production.

And connections Curry and Green have developed into two important off-the-court relationships for James. The rumor mill was kicked into high gear when Green and James were seen golfing together this week

That is what makes this decision different from James’ earlier free agency choices.

This is not 2010, when he was chasing his first title. It is not 2014, when he was returning home to fulfill a promise. It is not 2018, when Los Angeles offered a blend of basketball, business and family life.

This is Year 24.

James is 41, still productive and still capable of helping a contender, but the decision now seems less about conquering a new market and more about finding the right emotional landing spot.

That word was happiness.

Sidery’s report suggests familiarity may be how James defines it.

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