Erika Jayne Faces $25 Million Civil Fraud Trial in May

Erika Jayne has spoken about the possibility of losing a $25 million civil fraud lawsuit tied to her estranged husband, former attorney Tom Girardi.

The case dates back to 2021, when a bankruptcy trustee overseeing Girardi’s defunct law firm, Girardi Keese, sued Jayne. The trustee alleges that Jayne and her businesses spent more than $25 million of the firm’s funds on personal expenses. Jayne has denied any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged.

During part one of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion, which aired April 23, host Andy Cohen asked Jayne what she would do if she loses the case when it goes to trial on May 19. She said her options could include filing for bankruptcy, continuing to fight in court, or reaching a settlement, adding that the outcome is uncertain.

On the same day the reunion aired, the trustee sold the litigation claims to a third party, meaning another entity will now pursue the case.

Jayne filed for divorce from Girardi in 2020. Soon after, Girardi became the subject of multiple legal actions. He was accused of embezzling client funds, sued by former law partners, and his firm entered bankruptcy.

In 2024, Girardi was convicted on four counts of wire fraud after a 13-day trial. Prosecutors said he stole more than $15 million from clients between 2010 and 2020. Girardi, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and was placed under a conservatorship, began serving a seven-year prison sentence in July.

During the reunion, Jayne said she still questions Girardi’s actions and their impact on her life. She described her situation as overwhelming due to ongoing legal battles.

Jayne also alleged that her relationship with Girardi involved emotional and financial abuse. She said their marriage often felt tense and unpredictable, claiming there were long periods when he would not speak to her despite living in the same home.

She added that Girardi doubted her chances of joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, and she later questioned how much of his behavior throughout their relationship was genuine.

Jayne’s civil case is scheduled to begin trial in May.