Ibrahim speaks out about Dawson

Reporter, NZ Herald·Herald on Sunday·

3 May, 2014 08:56 PM3 mins to read

John Ibrahim says he wanted to help Charlotte Dawson but she did not take up his offer. Photo / Getty Images

Celebrity nightclub owner John Ibrahim has revealed his ongoing regrets over the death of his close friend Charlotte Dawson.

In his first interview since Dawson's death, Ibrahim, whose life was dramatised in a series of Underbelly, told the Herald on Sunday he offered to bail out the cash-strapped celebrity just days before she took her life - but she turned down the money.

Their final conversation took place in February just a few days before the 47-year-old beauty took her own life on the day her $1200-a-week rented Sydney apartment was due to be auctioned.

Ibrahim told how he received a phone call from Dawson sounding him out about her money woes.

"She was just ringing to see if I could help with her financial troubles. I offered but she didn't take it up.

"She thanked me and told me she loved me but refused any help."

Dawson was under severe financial pressure after quitting the top-rating Australia's Next Top Model and reportedly borrowed $85,000 from friends.

He said given the tragic events that unfolded a few days later he wishes she had swallowed her pride and taken his money.

"Maybe it would have taken a lot of the burden off. No one would have ever known," he said.

The 43-year-old, who has dated a string of glamorous women, denied the pair had been lovers, saying sex would have ruined their friendship.

Ibrahim has been a well-known figure in Sydney since opening his first nightclub aged 18. His past featured in a 2010 television miniseries Underbelly: The Golden Mile.

On Friday, Ibrahim said Dawson's death still didn't make any sense to him and he felt her loss keenly.

He would have even employed her as his personal driver "just to keep her going".

A New South Wales' coroner is due to rule on the television star's death next month.

Meanwhile, an Australian current affairs show examining Dawson's descent into depression will kick-start a six-month charity fundraiser.

Sister Vicky Dawson said Channel 7's Sunday Night programme next week would highlight her sister's death as part of a wider investigation.

She and her sister Robin Barclay had been interviewed for the show. Australia's Next Top Model judge and close friend Alex Perry is also interviewed.

"The focus of the show is to help people with depression to try to stop people committing suicide," she said.

The piece would also launch a website devoted to fundraising and showcase Charlotte's foray into designing canvas cushions and coasters in collaboration with Billy Allen Homeware.

Vicky Dawson said profits from sales would go to five nominated Australian charities.