Erika Jayne, the ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ star, provided a detailed update on her ongoing divorce from Tom Girardi during a recent appearance on ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,’ highlighting the legal and personal complexities that have stalled the process for over five years. She explained that while she filed for divorce in 2020, finalizing it is challenging due to Girardi’s legal incompetence stemming from Alzheimer’s disease, and she has emotionally moved on from the marriage despite the unresolved proceedings.
On the December 19 episode, Jayne directly addressed fan speculation by confirming she has indeed filed for divorce, but clarified that the proceedings are hindered because Girardi, 86, has been declared incompetent due to a diagnosis of late-onset Alzheimer’s and dementia. She noted that she must seek permission from his conservator to proceed, making it a protracted legal battle. This update came amid questions from host Andy Cohen, who echoed widespread curiosity about why the divorce remains unfinished years after the initial filing.
Girardi’s situation is compounded by his criminal conviction; in August 2024, he was found guilty on four counts of wire fraud for embezzling settlement funds from clients of his law firm, Girardi Keese, in what authorities described as a massive Ponzi scheme. He is currently serving a seven-year prison sentence, which began in July 2025, and the financial fallout has led to the liquidation of all shared assets to cover legal debts, leaving no property to divide in the divorce. Jayne was dismissed from related lawsuits, but the scandal has cast a long shadow over both their lives.
The divorce saga began in November 2020 when Jayne filed to end their 21-year marriage, just one month before Girardi’s firm faced bankruptcy and allegations surfaced that he used stolen funds to support Jayne’s lavish lifestyle. Since then, Girardi’s health has declined, and his legal incapacity has added layers of difficulty to any court proceedings. Jayne expressed mixed emotions, admitting on WWHL that she had considered visiting him in prison but ultimately decided against it, stating, ‘It’s just too much. He’s done.’
Despite the emotional toll, Jayne has embraced a new chapter in her personal life. In July 2025, she confirmed her relationship with Hollywood bodyguard John ‘Shrek’ McPhee, describing him as a ‘nice man’ who brings her comfort after years of turmoil. She shared this update on Teddi Mellencamp’s podcast, emphasizing her happiness and the normalcy she now seeks. This move signals her resilience and determination to rebuild beyond the Girardi scandal.
The update underscores the lingering impact of Girardi’s crimes on Jayne’s public and private life, with the divorce serving as a poignant reminder of a once-high-profile partnership that crumbled under legal scrutiny. Her candid remarks on WWHL offered fans a rare glimpse into the emotional and logistical hurdles she faces, balancing reality TV fame with personal adversity. The slow pace of the divorce reflects broader issues in handling cases involving incapacitated individuals and complex financial fraud.
Looking ahead, the divorce is expected to remain unresolved for the foreseeable future, given Girardi’s health and legal status. Jayne’s focus appears to be on her career and new relationship, while the legal system grapples with the intricacies of his incompetence. Her story resonates as a tale of public fall from grace, personal redemption, and the slow wheels of justice in high-profile celebrity dramas.
In summary, Erika Jayne’s update reveals a divorce entangled in legal incapacity and past crimes, yet she demonstrates forward momentum through personal growth and transparency with her audience.
