'Real' Housewife in Real Trouble, Thanks to Husband
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Star Erika Jayne crying. Photo courtesy of The Hollywood Gossip. Public domain.
The world of reality television is no stranger to drama, but "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" (RHOBH) star Erika Jayne has faced real-life turmoil over the last few years due to the legal troubles of her estranged husband, Tom Girardi. Once a powerful attorney, Girardi's downfall has been swift and severe. Found guilty of wire fraud and embezzling millions from his clients, Girardi's actions have far-reaching consequences — not only for him but also for Jayne. Here's a breakdown of Girardi's crimes and how they could impact the reality star moving forward.
Tom Girardi's Legal Troubles and Conviction
In August 2024, Tom Girardi, the 85-year-old former lawyer, was convicted of four counts of wire fraud. His crimes, which spanned over a decade, included stealing from his clients — many of whom had already endured significant trauma. Among his most publicized misdeeds was the theft of $3 million meant for relatives of victims in the 2018 Lion Air crash, the first major Boeing 737 MAX incident in which 189 people died in the sea near Indonesia. Girardi misappropriated millions to fund an extravagant lifestyle that included private jets, luxury cars, and more.
This guilty verdict was the culmination of years of legal battles and accusations. Girardi's once-successful law firm, Girardi Keese, had been forced into bankruptcy, and Girardi himself was disbarred in 2022. His sentencing is scheduled for December 2024, and he faces up to 80 years in prison.
How Does This Affect Erika Jayne?
Since the allegations against Girardi became public in 2020, Erika Jayne, 53, has insisted that she did not know about her husband's criminal activities. She filed for divorce in late 2020, but the case has stalled due to Girardi's deteriorating mental and physical health. The divorce remains unresolved, leaving Erika legally entangled with Girardi despite their separation.
While Jayne was named in some lawsuits, alleging she benefited from Girardi's embezzlement, most of these cases have been dismissed. However, the public scrutiny hasn't let up. As a star on RHOBH, her involvement in the legal scandal has become a central plot point, with her co-stars and fans questioning how much she truly knows.
Financial Consequences for Erika Jayne
Though Jayne has not been criminally charged, she faces significant financial challenges due to her ties to Girardi. During the trial, it was revealed that Girardi funneled over $25 million from his law firm into EJ Global, the company associated with Jayne's music career. While this money may not have gone directly into her pockets, it's clear that she benefited from her husband's fraudulent activities, even if it was unknowingly.
The biggest financial concern for Jayne lies in the bankruptcy proceedings. As Girardi Keese continues to liquidate assets to repay creditors, Jayne's financial status could be at risk. Some of the debts from Girardi's bankruptcy could be transferred to her, especially those accumulated during their marriage. This includes potential tax liabilities and other outstanding debts that could leave Jayne in a precarious financial situation.
Will Jayne Be Held Responsible for Girardi's Debts?
Legally, Jayne is not responsible for the millions Girardi owes to his former clients. The federal government has not targeted her in their pursuit of financial restitution. However, the ongoing bankruptcy case could leave her accountable for some of the debts incurred during their marriage, particularly those related to taxes.
Jayne has fought hard in court to protect her assets, but it's possible that as the bankruptcy case progresses, she may be forced to file for personal bankruptcy. This would allow her to resolve some of the debts, but certain liabilities, like taxes, cannot be discharged.
What's Next for Jayne?
As Girardi's sentencing approaches and the legal battles continue, Erika Jayne finds herself in a difficult position. With her divorce on hold and her financial future uncertain, it may take years for her to fully extricate herself from the shadow of her estranged husband's crimes.
While she's won several legal victories in civil cases, the public and her former co-stars continue to scrutinize her every move. Whether or not Jayne can rebuild her life and career will depend on how she navigates the ongoing financial and legal challenges ahead.
References: Former 'Real Housewives' husband Tom Girardi found guilty of wire fraud in embezzlement case | Disbarred Personal Injury Lawyer Tom Girardi Found Guilty of Defrauding Clients Out of Tens of Millions of Dollars | Tom Girardi Found Guilty of Embezzling Millions from His Clients. So What Does This Mean for Erika Girardi?
