close_game
close_game

Billionaire who paid $500,000 to Kim Kardashian to be his date dies at the age of 91

Aug 13, 2024 03:56 PM IST

Austrian billionaire Richard Lugner is best known for his annual Vienna Opera Ball where he hosted global celebrities.

Richard Lugner, a billionaire in Austria, has died at the age of 91. He was reportedly battling several health problems in recent months and underwent heart surgery. He has four children.

Austrian entrepreneur Richard Lugner and his then girlfriend Bambi attend the 17th Life Ball in Vienna in 2009. (AFP)
Austrian entrepreneur Richard Lugner and his then girlfriend Bambi attend the 17th Life Ball in Vienna in 2009. (AFP)

Lugner was known for hosting global celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Sophia Loren, Jane Fonda, Pamela Anderson and Goldie Hawn at the iconic Opera Ball in Austria's capital city of Vienna.

The socialite and construction tycoon died in his Viennese villa on Monday, Austrian media reported, with Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer on X hailing the "successful" construction magnate as a "vibrant... Austrian original" who stayed "true to himself".

Two months ago, Lunger married for the sixth time. He married a 42-year-old woman, Simone Reilander, on June 1. "It will be the last marriage," he had said at that time, PEOPLE reported, quoting a local media report.

Billionaire paid Kim Kardashian for a date

In 2014, Lunger paid $500,000 to have Kim Kardashian as his date for his annual Vienna Opera Ball, according to a Page Six report. “Kim is annoying me, because she’s not sticking to the program," Lunger had said. He paid Lindsay Lohan $150,000 to be his date for the 2010 Vienna Opera Ball, according to the report.

He brought Priscilla Presley, ex-wife of Elvis Presley, to the latest event.

Lunger's brush with politics

During the late 1990s, Lugner first dabbled in politics, winning almost 10 percent of the presidential vote in 1998.

In 2016, he ran for president for a second time, but finished last, securing just over two percent.

Richard Lugner, who was born in Vienna on October 11, 1932, built his "Lugner City" shopping centre in Vienna. The centre paid tribute to the businessman after his death.

He was an integral part of Vienna's high society, with Lugner frequently dominating the headlines, including criticism he faced over his sexist comments.

(Also Read: Austrian man, who smoked cigarettes for 30 years, developed hair inside throat. Then…)

(With inputs from AFP)

Get Latest Updates on...
See more
Get Latest Updates on Trending News Viral News, Video, Photos and Weather Updates of India and around the world
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Thursday, October 10, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On