Liz Hurley breaks silence on 'devastating' loss of 55-year-old ex Steve Bing

Elizabeth Hurley has broken her silence after the tragic loss of her ex Steve Bing, who died at the age of 55 this week.

The Hollywood film producer - who was the father of Hurley’s 18-year-old son Damian Hurley - reportedly died in Los Angeles on Monday.

Hurley, 55, posted a series of pictures of her herself and Bing on Instagram, writing: “I am saddened beyond belief that my ex Steve is no longer with us. It is a terrible end.”

The pair recently reunited after years apart, with Liz saying they bonded over their mutual son Damien.

“In the past year we had become close again,” she wrote. “We last spoke on our son’s 18th birthday. This is devastating news and I thank everyone for their lovely messages.”

She also took time to remember the good times, with the pair having been through their fair share of ups and downs over the years.

“Our time together was very happy and I’m posting these pictures because although we went through some tough times, it’s the good, wonderful memories of a sweet, kind man that matter,” she wrote.

Liz Hurley’s son Damian mourns loss of his father

Damian has also responded to the “devastating” news of his father’s death.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart to everyone that has reached out following the devastating news,” he wrote in an emotional Instagram tribute.

“I’m trying to reply to as many of you as I can, but please know I will always remember your kindness. This is a very strange and confusing time and I’m immensely grateful to be surrounded by my phenomenal family and friends.”

The model turned 18 on April 2nd. He is living in lockdown with his mother at her English country estate.

Hurley dated Bing in 2001. The pair did not always sail on smooth waters, with the American businessman originally denying paternity, claiming he and Hurley did not have an exclusive relationship.

A DNA test later proved he was Damian’s father. He also had a daughter, Kira, born to professional tennis player Lisa Bonder.

Steve Bing: A Hollywood powerhouse

Bing financed Tom Hanks’ animated movie The Polar Express, investing $80m [£64m] in the 2004 film.

He produced and financed movies such as Sylvester Stallone's action film Get Carter and Martin Scorsese's Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light. Bing also co-wrote the 2003 comedy Kangaroo Jack.

Bing was a prominent real estate developer, philanthropist and political donor. He was a long-time friend and supporter to Bill Clinton, lending the former US president his private jet for a 2009 mission to North Korea to free two American journalists.

“I loved Steve Bing very much,” the former president tweeted. He had a big heart, and he was willing to do anything he could for the people and causes he believed in. I will miss him and his enthusiasm more than I can say, and I hope he’s finally found peace.”

Born in Los Angeles, Bing inherited around $600m [£480m] at the age of 18 from his grandfather, property tycoon Leo S Bing, after whom the Los Angeles County Museum of Art's Bing Theatre is named.

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