Former professional bodyguard for the stars, Simon Newton has experienced everything from serving in the British Army to working for the British Government on security in Afghanistan to protecting Michael Jackson and Kendall Jenner.
For 15 years he was a member of a highly exclusive community in which international superstars confided around the clock. In all that time, he has never left a job, no matter how difficult the circumstances got.
Mr. Newton’s career is remarkable in both its diversity and content, yet four years ago he realized that he had done whatever he wanted in the world of private security. Now he’s an actor with his own clothing line on the way.
Web spoke to the 44-year-old about the years he spent with some of the world’s most famous faces, who his best client was and how he managed to break into such an elusive market.
“I was in Iraq in 2006, which was probably one of the most dangerous years in Iraq,” Mr. Newton said.
Simon Newton from London spent years in the British Army before becoming a private bodyguard (pictured in Baghdad, Iraq in 2004)
Mr Newton (left) had his first celebrity job in 2006 when he was hired to accompany Michael Jackson’s team on their trip to the UK
For 15 years he was a member of a highly exclusive community in which international superstars confided around the clock
“It was hard at times, but unfortunately that’s all part of the job.”
The bodyguard’s casual references to the dangers of life in Iraq in the midst of a global conflict may come as a surprise – but while he traveled to the country to work there to work in private security, it was by no means the first time he’d seen a faced a war zone.
Originally from London, Mr Newton joined the Royal Corps of Signals, one of the British Army’s combat support arms, in 2000.
He served in Canada and on operations in Iraq for four years, including in the Middle East in 2003, before leaving the military in 2004.
He soon left his security role in Iraq and became an Englishman with Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Afghanistan – an equally, if not more, dangerous position.
But Mr Newton, who has also spent much time protecting oil ships in the Indian Ocean from pirates, described the move as a “natural progression” after his time in the army.
It was 2006 when he was first catapulted into the world of celebrity security when he was asked to help protect Michael Jackson on a visit to the UK.
Describing the time as “frantic,” he added, “Anytime you moved it, it was so busy the whole time that it became difficult.” But you wouldn’t move it as much as anyone else because of that.’
His respect for the star was clear: “I don’t think you’ll ever get someone like him again.” The world of celebrity, music or film and television is so different now.
Mr. Newton served four years in Canada and on deployments in Iraq (pictured), including in the Middle East in 2003, before leaving the military in 2004
In 2007, Mr. Newton worked as a Close Protection Officer in Afghanistan before returning to the UK and starting his own business in 2010
After guarding Michael Jackson, he flew straight back to Afghanistan and returned to his role as close protection officer (pictured: Simon Newton at a shooting range in Afghanistan, 2007)
After starting his own private security company in the UK in 2010, Mr Newton has worked with celebrities such as Bella Hadid (pictured) and Rita Ora
Mr. Newton described Bella Hadid as a great client to work for: “She was always kind, we always hit it off, and she always made sure I had everything I needed.” She always listened, whatever I had to say
Mr Newton was also protective of Kendall Jenner, including in 2015 when she attended runway shows at London Fashion Week
As well as Kendall (centre), he also protected models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss
“Michael Jackson, even that little African kid in the little village with no water knew who Michael Jackson was.” “There aren’t many people like that.”
Mr Newton was part of a five-strong team of bodyguards for the pop star and often had long days ahead of them, beginning before the singer woke up and ending after he fell asleep.
Once the job was done, he flew straight back to Afghanistan and resumed his role as close protection officer.
It wasn’t until 2010, when Mr Newton had returned to the UK for good and set up his own security company, that he first started receiving inquiries from top-tier clients.
He said, “I used to be a little picky about who I mentored … but generally there wasn’t a job that was too big.”
“One of the first big roles I had after Michael was Kendall Jenner.” “I did quite a lot with the models because the modeling agencies used to like calling the same guys.”
In addition to Kendall, he also mentored models Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss — although his most regular client was Bella Hadid.
“I followed her for two to three years and had a really good time, it was really good work,” said Mr. Newton.
Describing how he was recruited by so many A-listers, he said, “It’s more like trust.” “They like the same people, so once you’re in the celebrity circle, as long as you have a reputation, you stay there .” But it’s very difficult to even commit to it.”
Though he doesn’t have a favorite client, he said he’s particularly enjoyed working with Bella – though he’s also been protective of her sister Gigi at times.
“I spent a lot more time with her [Bella]. She was always nice, we always got along and she always made sure I had everything I needed.
“She always listened to what I had to say. Although I always try not to dictate too much, there were times when I had to say something to get her to listen.
“It was always an easy job for her. She’s a lot of fun and a nice girl.’
Outside of the modeling world, Mr Newton has spent time protecting singers Rita Ora (pictured) and Halsey
Often photographed alongside supermodels such as Bella Hadid (centre) and Stella Maxwell (left), Mr. Newton’s own fashion preferences have not gone unnoticed by the media
Outside of the modeling world, Mr. Newton has spent time protecting singers Rita Ora and Halsey, whom he has also accompanied around Europe. He was also hired by Dizzee Rascal.
He told Web that part of every security officer’s job is to be “taped”. But what the former military protection officer did not expect was that the media would show a personal interest in him as the main topic.
Mr Newton said: “When you care for a celebrity, you expect them to be mentioned in some description. So if you find yourself in a photo in the background or something like that, it’s not really a big deal.”
“But then Vogue wrote an article about me and not about Bella. That was a bit strange because I thought I was just the security guy.
“Once they did that, they just sort of went on, other releases picked it up and did something like that.” But that’s not normal.’
Vogue tapped into Mr. Newton’s fashion sense, who always matched his clients’ outfits in some way, but all were his own clothes. However, unlike some other security officers, he did not opt for black suits or uniforms, instead opting for a more diverse assortment.
The bodyguard said he first became interested in menswear as a young adult.
“That’s how I got noticed [by the media] I guess. “It started when I was in the army, that’s when I started getting into menswear a little bit more.”
Around 2019, Mr. Newton realized he was ready to pursue his passion: acting.
Describing how he came to the decision to give up his hugely successful career and take a chance, he said: “I thought I still own a security company, I’ve taken care of some of the most famous people to take care of, in those I’ve worked.” Some of the worst countries to be in, I’ve been on boats, I’ve met politicians, bank bosses, billionaires, I’ve done just about anything I wanted to do.
“There was actually nothing left.”
Mr. Newton gave up working as a security guard but still owns his own security company and began studying acting. Now he’s busy planning a trip to the Cannes Film Festival next week and plans to launch his own clothing line this summer.
The ex-bodyguard was already involved in the American film “Crossfire” and is scheduled to start filming on another project in January.
“It was a bit bumpy because of Covid,” joked Mr Newton. “It took a while, but I didn’t do too badly.”