‘Real Housewives’ Star’s Husband On Trial for Alleged Embezzlement

When Erika Jayne Girardi joined “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” in 2015, she surprised her castmates with her extravagant lifestyle, funded by her husband, Tom Girardi, a prominent personal injury lawyer. With a luxurious mansion, private jet, extravagant jewelry, designer outfits styled by her personal “glam squad,” and aspirations of being a pop performer, Erika made a grand entrance.

Currently, Tom Girardi, 85, is facing a criminal trial in Los Angeles. Federal prosecutors charged him in March 2022 with embezzling $15 million from vulnerable clients. Additionally, he is accused in Chicago of stealing millions in settlement awards from Boeing, meant for families of a plane crash that killed 189 people. This case is on hold until his California trial concludes.

In opening statements, prosecutors accused Girardi of using settlements from his clients as a “personal piggy bank,” allegedly funding his former wife’s entertainment career, reported a Law.com journalist. Girardi became famous for winning the landmark environmental lawsuit dramatized in the movie “Erin Brockovich,” where Julia Roberts’s performance won an Academy Award. As Erika gained fame on “RHOBH,” Girardi was occasionally seen on the show, known as her generous benefactor.

On Wednesday, a former client, Joseph Ruigomez, testified about a settlement he received from PG&E after suffering severe burns and losing his girlfriend in a gas main explosion. Girardi told him the settlement was $5 million, but the actual amount was $53 million, as reported by Law.com. “I trusted Tom,” Ruigomez said.

Girardi has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys claim he has dementia and cannot assist in his defense. However, the judge sided with prosecutors who argued that Girardi, diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, exaggerated his symptoms. Court evidence showed Girardi’s competency and “confabulations,” including remembering details about his third wife, despite claiming he forgot her, during a clinical examination.

Erika filed for divorce from Girardi in November 2020, which remains incomplete. She hasn’t been charged in connection with her husband’s alleged crimes.

Erika Jayne embraced a lavish lifestyle, openly discussing money on “RHOBH.” Joining the show in 2015 with the tagline, “I’m an enigma, wrapped in a riddle — and cash,” Erika’s persona exuded luxury. In her 2017 music video “XXpen$ive,” she flaunted wealth by having cash rain down on her. “It’s expensive to be me,” she sang.

Erika met Tom Girardi at 27 while working as a cocktail server. She described her life before her pop career as a “wealthy coma.” After getting involved in a world of glitz and glamour, she created her own record label, produced music videos, and performed live shows. Her stage persona became her public identity, delighting “Housewives” fans and shocking her castmates.

One month after Erika filed for divorce, an Illinois law firm sued her, Tom Girardi, and his associates. The lawsuit claimed the divorce was a “sham” to protect their money from creditors, alleging that Girardi was on the verge of financial collapse. The firm, Edelson PC, accused Erika of being central to efforts to hide debts and continue displaying wealth, asserting Girardi used settlement money to support their lavish lifestyles. Erika’s attorney denied these claims, stating EJ Global was used merely for bookkeeping and Erika had no role in the financial handling.

Erika’s “RHOBH” castmates were initially sympathetic upon learning about Girardi’s alleged misdealings, but their support waned. Jayne’s refusal to show compassion for the victims and her insistence on keeping a pair of $750,000 diamond earrings bought with clients’ money sparked criticism. Castmates Crystal Minkoff and Garcelle Beauvais expressed their willingness to return the earrings out of sympathy for the victims.

In a Season 12 episode, discussing the earrings, Erika said, “I don’t give a fuck about anyone else but me!” She defended her stance, claiming she was being unfairly blamed. Despite a court initially ordering her to relinquish the earrings, Erika continued to fight the decision.

Erika recently expressed compassion for the victims and met with several of them in a segment for the 2023 documentary “The Housewife And The Hustler 2: The Reckoning.” She apologized for her husband’s actions, though some felt it was insufficient.

The legal saga has carried into the trial, where prospective jurors were questioned about their familiarity with “RHOBH.” Bravo did not comment on the matter. Testimony is set to continue on Friday.

Source: HuffPost