Former Carlton president Luke Sayers is facing significant personal turmoil following a scandal that erupted earlier this year over a lewd image posted from his social media account. The fallout from the incident has led to his wife, Cate Sayers, leaving him and has sparked widespread media coverage, adding to the pressure on the former AFL executive.
The controversy began on January 9, 2025, when a graphic sexual image was posted from Sayers' X account, which was later found to have been hacked. The post, which included a photo of a man's genitals, tagged a senior female executive at Bupa, one of Carlton's corporate partners. The incident quickly gained traction, leading to Sayers facing intense scrutiny.
Despite the AFL Integrity Unit concluding that Sayers was not responsible for the posting of the image, he resigned from his position as president of the Carlton Football Club on January 22, 2025. His resignation came just minutes after the AFL's findings were made public. Sayers expressed his outrage at the situation, stating, "This is outrageous. I'm investigating and will leave no stone unturned finding out who did this to me and my family," according to reports from the Daily Mail Australia.
In the wake of the scandal, Sayers' marriage suffered irreparable damage. Cate Sayers reportedly prioritized the well-being of their children and decided to leave her husband, recognizing that it was time for a fresh start. A friend of the family shared, "Cate is a strong person, but also a realist. She has understandably prioritized protecting the family. Now she knows it is the right time for a fresh start." The couple had been living separately, with Cate spending much of her time in Italy while Luke remained in Melbourne.
As the dust began to settle from the scandal, Sayers was spotted dining with an unnamed blonde woman at Geppetto Trattoria in Melbourne on April 8, 2025. Photos captured the pair smiling and enjoying each other's company over a two-hour meal. Sayers was dressed casually in jeans and a navy blue collared shirt, while his companion wore a long trench coat that concealed her dress. This public appearance has raised eyebrows and further fueled speculation about his personal life.
In a bid to move on from the scandal, Sayers is reportedly in the process of purchasing a bachelor pad apartment in inner-city Melbourne. This decision reflects his desire to establish a new chapter in his life following the upheaval of his marriage and career.
The repercussions of the scandal extended beyond Sayers' personal life. Bupa, the health insurer linked to the incident, canceled its naming rights arrangement for a charity event run by Carlton, further emphasizing the fallout from the situation. A spokesperson for Bupa confirmed that while they would continue their relationship with Carlton, they were prioritizing the well-being, privacy, and safety of their employees.
Despite the investigation clearing Sayers of wrongdoing, the incident had lasting effects on his professional reputation. He has also stepped down from his role as chairman of his consulting firm, Sayers Group, although he remains listed as chairman on the company's website.
In the lead-up to the scandal, Sayers faced criticism for his delayed response to the allegations, particularly as he was vacationing in Europe with his family at the time. There were calls for him to address the media directly, with former footballers and commentators urging him to clarify his position. Kane Cornes and Sam Edmund discussed the situation on SEN radio, noting that the issue would not simply disappear.
Reflecting on his time at Carlton, Sayers stated, "Leading the Carlton Football Club has been one of the great honours and privileges of my life. I leave knowing the club is in great shape, and with my deepest gratitude for its understanding and support." He expressed regret for the impact the scandal had on his family, friends, and colleagues.
As Sayers navigates this challenging period, it remains to be seen how he will rebuild his personal and professional life following the scandal that has reshaped his world. The public and media will be watching closely as he attempts to move forward.
