WhatsApp messages link former AFL star to estranged wife’s alleged brothel

WhatsApp messages sent to and from former AFL star Ricky Olarenshaw show he had knowledge of the day-to-day running of a Bali spa Indonesian police claim was operating as a brothel.

Former Essendon star Ricky Olarenshaw and his ex-wife Sarnanitha have been engulfed by a sex crime scandal in Bali. Source: Facebook

Former AFL star Ricky Olarenshaw was allegedly involved in organising “invite only” events at a Bali spa that Indonesian police claim was operating as a brothel.

A string of WhatsApp messages sent to and from the Essendon premiership player’s current number appear to show that Olarenshaw had knowledge of the day-to-day running of Flame Spa in Seminyak which was raided last year.

Olarenshaw’s estranged wife Saranitha, also known as Nitha, remains in Bali’s Kerobokan jail, facing charges of prostitution, which is illegal in Indonesia.

Nitha is facing up to 12 years’ jail if convicted but has been fighting the charges.

Olarenshaw, who is currently overseas, has been fighting for access to his two children who remain in the care of his estranged wife’s family in Bali.

Former Essendon player Ricky Olarenshaw and his ex-wife Sarnanitha Olarenshaw and family in Bali in 2019. Olarenshaw has been fighting for access to his two children. Picture: Anthea Auld

Pages of WhatsApp messages between the account linked to Olarenshaw’s current number and a worker at the Flame Spa, and a separate string of messages sent to Nitha, have detailed the operations of the Bali venue police claim was offering sexual services.

“Dec 18 6pm. (Name of patron). What girl did he book. His friend want to book her,” Olarenshaw asked in a message sent in January 2022.

In another message, Olarenshaw allegedly provided advice on how to attract customers to the spa.

Ricky wrote on May 28, 2020: “Details for entry to Flame Spa: “Say: “turn me on” for entry, and the password for another event being: “I want to go to dreamland. This is invite only so please let us know if u want to bring a trusted friend.”

There were also poor taste jokes shared between the worker and Olarenshaw about which type of non-alcoholic drinks to provide the “girls” at the spa.

“Worker: “Can I give them drinks? Ricky: Sure. Cheap ones! And don’t get them too drunk.” Worker: “OK, just give them juice” Ricky: “XXXX juice,” an exchange on May 24, 2020, stated.

A screenshot from The Flame Spa website, which operated three outlets in Bali.

Another screenshot from the website.

Olarenshaw was approached for comment and was sent copies of the WhatsApp messages before publication but he declined to comment.

He has not been charged with any wrongdoing. Sources claim that the Flame Spa was also operating as a bar serving alcoholic drinks to patrons.

The messages also reveal that Olarenshaw had been having relationship problems with Nitha and had moved out of the family home.

“Love her and I miss her. That won’t change her behaviour. I’ll put a ring on her finger, build the house, have another baby … but she needs to acknowledge some of her behaviours and commit to change, which probably needs ongoing support. I’m not moving on, I’m gonna wait,” he wrote on May 31, 2022.

Nitha was arrested in September 2024 following a raid on the Flame Spa in Seminyak.

Rick Olarenshaw pictured next to James Hird as the Bombers celebrate winning the 1993 AFL Grand Final. Picture: Getty Images

A Bali court has heard that her lawyer claimed Olarenshaw and three other Australian men were the shareholders in the business.

In a separate string of messages, Nitha was asked by a man about ordering “girls” at the spa.

“1 guy want 1 girl, 1 guy want 1 girl, 1 couple with 2 girls. The couple is boyfriend and girlfriend, they want 2 girls who like girls as well”, a man asked Nitha, who responded: “OK bu” on April 10, 2022

Messages show Nitha also received images of young Indonesian women in black and red lingerie asking if she was happy with the colour.

Rick Olarenshaw celebrating his 50th birthday with a Playboy-themed party in Bali. Picture: Facebook

Olarenshaw, who was pictured dressed as Playboy boss Hugh Hefner at his 50th birthday, had left Bali before the police sting last year.

Indonesian police also raided the Pink Palace Spa which was allegedly run by middle class Melbourne couple Michael and Lynley Le Grand.

They, too, face charges of allegedly running a brothel, which they deny.

Sources claim there were no links between the Flame Spa and the Pink Palace.

Olarenshaw has previously told reporters the scandal was “not what it seemed”.

“I’ve got nothing to say. It’s a delicate and complicated situation,” he told Nine News sports reporter Tom Morris on the Gold Coast last year.

“Her business is under investigation with the Indonesian authorities at the moment. Being a legal matter, I really can’t comment further on that.

“A lot that has been reported has been false and inaccurate which has been frustrating and disappointing. That’s all I really have to say. My focus now is to get reunited with my children.”

Olarenshaw was spotted smiling alongside friends in a corporate box at the Australia-India Boxing Day test match at the MCG late last year.

Originally published as WhatsApp messages link former AFL star to estranged wife’s alleged brothel