Hailey Bieber's Sister Avoids Jail Time in Assault Case
Alaia Baldwin Aronow, the older sister of Hailey Bieber, will avoid jail time in connection with a 2024 bar altercation in Savannah, Georgia, after entering a pretrial diversion program.
Aronow, 33, faced four misdemeanor charges filed in Chatham County in January: simple battery, simple assault, battery and criminal trespass, stemming from a Feb. 24, 2024, arrest at Club Elan. According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, prosecutors offered Aronow a spot in the pretrial diversion program, which she accepted after paying the required program fee. Court records reviewed by PEOPLE show she is required to complete classes and may face additional fines as part of the arrangement. Her next scheduled court appearance is an arraignment on Aug. 25.
What Happened at the Bar
According to a police report obtained by TMZ, the incident began when Aronow forced her way into an employee-only bathroom at Club Elan after staff told her she needed to use the public restroom instead. Bartender Haleigh Cauley told Us Weekly that when she asked Aronow to leave the bathroom, Aronow said she needed a few minutes to "throw up and change her tampon." Cauley said she granted the request but returned a short time later to ask Aronow to leave again.
Cauley recalled, "She proceeded to stay in the bathroom. I told her again she had to leave and she said, 'I'm changing my tampon, do you want to see it?' And flings it up and it smacks my face."
The police report states that when staff attempted to remove Aronow from the bar, she resisted throughout, allegedly kicking one bouncer in the groin and pulling hair from another security guard's head during the altercation. Aronow initially denied throwing the tampon when questioned by police, but later admitted to doing so, telling officers she had been acting in self-defense.
What Comes Next
According to Georgia law firm Lawson & Berry, the state's pretrial diversion program is designed as "an alternative to prosecuting offenders in the criminal justice system," aiming to help people avoid a criminal record through classes and fines rather than traditional prosecution. Standard conditions of the program can include maintaining employment or school enrollment, avoiding new legal violations, completing treatment or educational programs, community service, restitution and a program fee, though not every condition necessarily applies to Aronow's specific case.
If Aronow successfully completes the program's requirements, prosecution in the case will not move forward. If she fails to complete it, prosecution can resume. Aronow's attorney, Drew Findling, previously said in a statement that she traveled to Savannah in February 2024 to celebrate a close friend's upcoming wedding, calling the trip an intended celebratory night out that "took an unexpected turn."
Aronow's representatives had not publicly commented further on the diversion agreement as of this week.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.