Meet Helly Nahmad, Laura Harrier’s controversial art dealer boyfriend and Leonardo DiCaprio’s pal
The Manhattan gallery owner and US$7 billion art heir was once jailed over an illegal gambling ring, but Donald Trump pardoned him in 2021
Spider-Man: Homecoming actress Laura Harrier was recently spotted enjoying a beach day in Ibiza, Spain, with boyfriend Hillel “Helly” Nahmad.
Long before dating Harrier, the 49-year-old had attracted media attention for very different reasons. Here is what you need to know about Helly Nahmad.
What is Helly Nahmad known for?
Hillel “Helly” Nahmad is the son of the late Syrian-Lebanese art billionaire David Nahmad, who, with his brother Ezra Nahmad, had a prominent art collection estimated by Forbes at nearly US$7 billion.
Helly grew up in Manhattan, New York and was given the reins to the family art gallery at the corner of Madison Avenue and 76th Street, which he renamed Helly Nahmad Gallery in 2000.
Both David and Ezra named their sons after their father, Hillel Nahmad. David relocated from Milan, Italy to New York in the late 1970s while Ezra moved to London. Ezra’s son goes by the nickname “London Helly” to distinguish him from his cousin.
What are Helly Nahmad’s biggest controversies?
The Nahmad family, despite their status in the art world, has always kept a low profile. Helly, however, has made headlines several times over the past few years.