The fall of Tom Girardi the once-renowned lawyer and husband of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne has shocked many. Recently sentenced to over seven years in prison for swindling millions from vulnerable clients like orphans and widows, Girardi’s legal troubles have made headlines far beyond Beverly Hills.
But while Girardi faces the consequences of his actions, sources reveal that those close to him are “raging” over how Erika Jayne handled the situation. According to an insider who spoke with Radar Online, “The second that things started unraveling, Erika ran for cover and left him to rot.”
Jayne, 53, filed for divorce on November 3, 2020 — just a month before the couple was accused of embezzling funds meant for the families of plane crash victims. Girardi, who inspired the attorney character in Erin Brockovich, was later charged with using client funds to bankroll a lavish lifestyle that included “flashy cars, closets full of designer clothes and glam squads” for Jayne, as well as funding her entertainment company.
Though Erika Jayne was initially named in lawsuits tied to Tom Girardi’s crimes, courts dismissed her from the case in 2022, ruling she had “no actual knowledge” of the embezzlement. Still, those close to Girardi accuse her of selfishness. The source said bluntly, “She ditched him the moment the money ran dry.”
Despite her repeated denials of involvement — both on Real Housewives and in court — Jayne is now being sued for $24 million by Girardi’s bankruptcy trustee. The lawsuit alleges that she used embezzled funds for personal expenses and must return the money to victims. While the trial date is pending, the insider shared the frustration among Girardi’s friends: “They don’t buy her Miss Innocent act and think she ought to face some justice, too. They haven’t forgotten how she bailed on Tom the moment it suited her, and they’re furious.”
The drama surrounding Tom Girardi’s downfall continues to unravel, with many eyes on Erika Jayne and whether she will be held accountable for her role.
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