More money, more problems?
Erika Jayne and businesses may have received a butt load of money from her estranged husband Tom Girardi’s law firm, Girardi Keese, but now she’s being sued to pay every pretty penny back – with interest.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is being sued for $25 million by the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy case involving Tom’s law firm.
Erika and her EJ Global and Pretty Mess companies allegedly received jewelry and other luxury items that were purchased using money from Tom’s Girardi Keese company.
“Erika has taken the ludicrous position that since she did not receive the payments directly from the [firm], she is not liable,” the document states. “She attempts to create a distinction between handing her money directly versus paying all of her bills directly. The distinction, like her prior motion for reconsideration, is meritless. Any payments made for her benefit are her responsibility.”
While Erika insists “she did not know her husband was maintaining a debt,” the trustee feels “it would be a miscarriage of justice” if the reality star were allowed to “simply walk completely free” while owing more than $25 million to the estate.
“Erika signed all of her tax returns, numerous credit card slips, and was well aware of the money she spent on the Debtor’s credit cards and the Debtor’s payment of her personal expenses,” the trustee alleged. “Her feigned willful blindness and ostrich approach to these expenditures will do absolutely nothing to limit her liability.”
The trustee added that “the glam cannot be supported by a sham” and wants the court to force Erika to repay the $25 million interest.
Ronald Richards, the attorney for the trustee, told Page Six on Friday that the suit was filed “to provide a come to Jesus moment.”
“The evidence is undeniable,” he argued. “The law firm paid out over $25,000,000 in expenses which were approved and generated by one person, Erika Girardi.”
“We are hopeful that Ms. Girardi comes down the mountain from a place of privilege and obscene wealth and returns some of these expenses so the former clients and creditors of this law firm can mitigate the horrific and unfair losses perpetrated by her husband and others,” he added.
Meanwhile, Erika’s lawyer responded to the suit, telling Page Six in a statement, “Unfortunately, the amended complaint is another example of the trustee and her counsel jumping to conclusions without a full investigation, and bullying and blaming Erika for actions taken by Girardi Keese for which Erika does not have legal liability.”
“Erika will defend the case, and we will seek sanctions and all appropriate remedies for the claims brought in bad faith and without any legal merit,” her lawyer said while adding that the trustee is “overreaching” and will “say and do anything to hurt Erika, despite the law.”
Do you think Erika should have to repay the $25 million? Sound off below!
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