In response to inquiries into his casinos, James Packer has stopped using seven different “mood-altering medicines” that doctors had prescribed to him.
The billionaire says he is now happier than he has been in years.
The 54-year-old former executive chair of Crown Resorts claimed he is now drug-free after taking medication for his bipolar disorder and other mental health issues.
After losing 25 kg in a little more than two months, Mr. Packer is now hoping to “rehabilitate” his reputation in Australia and embrace a life of health and wellbeing.
He told The Weekend Australian from his home in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, “I got off all my antidepressants and antipsychotic medicines in March.”
“I aim to have restored my reputation in Australia and worldwide in ten years, and perhaps before that.”
In a deal that was finalized this week, Mr. Packer sold Crown to private investment firm Blackstone for $8.9 billion, pocketing $3.3 billion in the process.
The sale signaled the closing of a significant chapter in his life, one that was occasionally clouded by controversy due to inquiries into the business and accusations of money laundering.
Despite the inquiries, the billionaire claimed that his casinos in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney had improved those cities.
The father of three declared that he is now eager to start his “third act” and that he intends to gradually reenter public life in Australia.
With his ex-wife Erica and his three children, Indigo, 13, Jackson, 12, and Emmanuelle, 9, he intends to travel back to Sydney in March and reside in his former company’s new luxury building overlooking the harbor.
When family members visit the state capital of New South Wales, Erica will remodel the $72 million apartment that will serve as their home.
It “hasn’t been proper” for Mr. Packer to be in Australia lately, he said, adding that he was looking forward to seeing Crown Sydney in its completed form.
He last saw the enormous structure in January 2020, and eight months later, he made his last public appearance when he appeared via video link from his $250 million boat during the hearing into Crown’s casino license in New South Wales.