The separation of Sydney socialite Montarna McDonald and Nick Pitt has reportedly become increasingly fraught. Recent events indicate a deepening of the rift between the former couple, particularly after Nick's decision to include his new partner, Ashleigh McDonald, in a family holiday with their daughters. This move has reportedly angered Montarna, adding another layer of complexity to their already high-profile divorce.
Montarna McDonald, a prominent PR professional, is currently on vacation in Indonesia with a friend. Meanwhile, her ex-husband, insurance lawyer Nick Pitt, was recently seen enjoying a tropical getaway in Port Douglas, Australia, alongside Ashleigh McDonald. The Daily Mail previously brought to light Nick and Ashleigh's relationship in May, approximately two years after the Pitts' six-year marriage ended.
Nick Pitt openly documented aspects of his trip with Ashleigh on Instagram, sharing images that captured moments like him kissing her at a hotel restaurant and playing with his daughters in the pool. Although there is no explicit suggestion of wrongdoing in Nick's actions, sources indicate that Montarna was far from pleased to see Ashleigh integrated into the family dynamic, especially after she was reportedly 'blindsided' by earlier reports of their romance.
Adding to the public discourse, a screenshot of a now-unavailable Instagram post circulated, initially appearing to show Ashleigh wearing a ring on her wedding finger. This fueled speculation within Sydney's social circles about a potential engagement. The rumor mill, which has closely followed the Pitts' split since Montarna's extravagant 'divorce party' in late 2024, went into overdrive. However, it was later clarified that the 'ring' was merely an optical illusion, dispelling the engagement rumors.
While Nick and Ashleigh were enjoying their holiday, Montarna has been actively sharing her own luxurious Indonesian vacation experiences online, showcasing her in designer attire and engaging in activities such as horse riding on the beach. Her daughters are expected to join her in Indonesia soon after their time with their father, a transition Montarna acknowledged with a social media post anticipating the 'chaos' of their arrival.
The latest developments are expected to exacerbate the existing tensions between Montarna and Nick. Their divorce has been a subject of considerable discussion in Sydney's high society, particularly since Montarna publicly celebrated her single status at a lavish divorce party in Coogee in early 2025. At this event, she famously marked her return to her maiden name, McDonald, with a custom cake.
Despite their public separation, Montarna and Nick reportedly attempted couples' counseling in a final effort to reconcile their marriage before ultimately deciding to part ways. Their focus has since been on co-parenting their two daughters. Nick's relationship with Ashleigh first gained attention in May 2026, partly due to the coincidence of Ashleigh sharing the same surname as his former wife. Ashleigh, the founder and CEO of the exclusive 42 Private membership group, is a well-known figure in high society. Interestingly, she was absent from this year's Royal Hospital for Women Foundation's annual ladies' luncheon, an event Montarna, who runs her own successful PR firm, The Audience Agency, attended.
The unfolding events continue to highlight the complexities and public scrutiny surrounding the personal lives of prominent social figures, with every new development further intensifying the narrative of this high-profile separation.
