The public life of a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model often appears like a non-stop highlight reel of red carpets and tropical shoots. However, for Brooks Nader, the last couple of years have been defined by a significant personal transition: the end of her decade-long relationship with her ex-husband, Billy Haire. As her reality series continues to pull back the curtain on her private world, many fans are looking for clarity on the man who was by her side long before she became a household name.

The man behind the name: Billy Haire’s professional background

While he gained mainstream recognition through his marriage to Brooks Nader, Billy Haire is a successful professional in his own right within the New York media and advertising landscape. Born in late 1985, Haire established a robust career long before stepping onto a red carpet. He is an alumnus of Bucknell University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and history and served as the captain of the NCAA Division 1 men’s lacrosse team. This competitive background seemingly translated well into the corporate world.

Haire later obtained an MBA from the NYU Stern School of Business, a credential that propelled him into senior leadership roles. His resume includes significant tenures at major media companies like Time Inc. and The Arena Group. Currently, he serves as the Senior Vice President of digital sales and partnerships at Minute Media. Beyond his primary career in digital media, he has also branched out into real estate, acting as an investor and advisor for 412 Properties. This professional stability provided the backdrop for the early years of his relationship with Nader.

From a rocky first date to a New Orleans wedding

The story of how Brooks Nader and her ex-husband met is now part of reality TV lore. They first crossed paths in New York City when Nader was just 19 years old and Haire was 30. Their first date at the famed sushi spot Bond St was reportedly a disaster; Haire arrived late, and Nader was battling a stomach bug that forced her to spend most of the evening in the restroom. Despite the awkward start, a connection formed that would last nearly ten years.

After dating for three and a half years, Haire proposed in October 2018. The couple tied the knot on December 14, 2019, in a lavish ceremony in New Orleans. At the time, the wedding was a major social event, reflecting Nader’s rising star in the modeling industry and Haire’s established position in the New York executive scene. For several years, they were a fixture at high-profile events, appearing to be one of the more stable couples in the industry.

The "Rent Purposes" controversy and the age gap

One of the most talked-about aspects of their relationship surfaced during promotional interviews for Nader’s reality show. She candidly remarked that when she first moved to New York at 19 with no financial support from her parents, her father jokingly suggested she find a boyfriend to help pay the bills. She quipped that she followed that advice "for just the rent purposes."

While some critics took this literally, context suggests it was a humorous take on the harsh realities of a young model trying to survive in Manhattan. However, it did highlight the significant age gap and the power dynamic of their early years. Being 11 years her senior, Haire was Nader's first serious relationship and her "first date," a fact she has reflected on frequently since their split. Living through her entire twenties with one partner meant that re-entering the dating world at 28 felt like a secondary coming-of-age.

The timeline of the divorce

The cracks in the marriage became public in early 2024. After months of living separately, the couple officially announced their decision to divorce in May 2024. While they initially described the split as amicable, the process of untangling a decade-long partnership is rarely simple.

By early 2025, the divorce was finalized. However, the specific financial details and the exact reasons for the breakdown remain largely confidential. Both parties reportedly signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) as part of their settlement. Nader has mentioned in interviews that while she can discuss her personal growth and her feelings about the transition, the legal boundaries of the NDA prevent her from revealing the granular details of why the marriage ultimately ended. She has summarized the decision simply: it is possible to care for someone deeply and still recognize that the marriage is no longer the right fit.

Family dynamics and the "Loyalty" debate

Perhaps the most relatable—and dramatic—element of the Brooks Nader ex-husband saga involves her family. In her reality series, Nader expressed frustration over the fact that her parents and sisters maintained close ties with Haire after the separation. Her father described Haire as his "golfing buddy," and her mother admitted to staying in regular contact through text.

This created a significant rift, as Nader felt her family should show unconditional loyalty to her during the fallout. The cultural background of her upbringing in Baton Rouge also played a role. She has spoken openly about the stigma of the "D-word" (divorce) in her family, noting that her parents initially viewed the split with a sense of shame, even suggesting that it was a "sin." This lack of immediate support made the emotional process of the divorce significantly more challenging for the model.

Life after the split: Where are they now?

As of April 2026, both Brooks Nader and Billy Haire have moved on to new chapters. Haire has been linked to reality TV personality Naomie Olindo, known from the show Southern Charm. The two began dating in early 2025, appearing to find common ground in their shared experiences with public relationships and the New York social scene.

Brooks Nader, meanwhile, has leaned into her "single era." After a highly publicized and briefly tumultuous connection with her Dancing with the Stars partner Gleb Savchenko, she has been linked to several high-profile athletes, including tennis stars Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. Her sisters have publicly supported her exploration of new relationships, emphasizing that after a decade with one person, she deserves to see what else the world has to offer.

The evolution of a public breakup

The story of Brooks Nader and her ex-husband is a classic example of how much a person can change between the ages of 18 and 28. What began as a supportive partnership that helped a young model find her footing in a big city eventually evolved into two different paths.

For readers following the drama, the takeaway isn't necessarily about who was right or wrong. Instead, it's a look at the complexities of first loves, the pressure of traditional family values, and the difficulty of navigating a private heartbreak under the lens of a reality TV camera. Billy Haire remains a significant part of Nader's history, but as her current trajectory shows, she is focused on a future that she is building entirely on her own terms.