Trigger Warning: This article contains a discussion of domestic violence allegations.
Erika Jayne has been a mainstay of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast since Season 6. She came aboard as the wife of respected attorney Tom Girardi, who was 33 years her senior. She had a singing career and her own chapel in their mansion.
However, much has changed. Tom was convicted of embezzling funds from his clients and started serving his federal prison sentence in 2024. Back in 2020, after 21 years of marriage, Erika filed for divorce from Tom, just as the legal drama was kicking into high gear.
Since then, RHOBH fans have seen Erika attend therapy and learn to embrace her new life. Last season, she decorated her house, showcasing her own taste. And Erika also started to casually date. During Season 15 of RHOBH, news broke that Erika’s former co-star, Denise Richards, was going through a tumultuous divorce from Aaron Phypers. So, Denise joined Erika and Sutton Stracke for dinner while cameras were rolling. However, what wasn’t on the menu was Erika’s shocking admission that she was the victim of domestic violence.
Erika Jayne supported Denise Richards in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Denise shared in RHOBH Season 15 Episode 10 that Erika was the second one to text her when her divorce news hit the headlines. Of course, Erika asked Denise about the photos of her with a black eye. “I’m going to say this,” Erika stated. “That can’t be a one-time thing.” Denise replied, “No. That’s the truth.”
Then, Denise detailed a harrowing incident following her breast surgery. She had a drain in place following the surgical procedure. She claimed that Aaron helped her to the bathroom. “While I was sitting on the toilet, he was trying to get my phone, and f*cking hit me on the side of my head. My drain hit the toilet paper thing,” Denise explained. “And I’m like, I start crying, I’m like … that’s when I really knew there’s no hope at ever … at ever salvaging this marriage at all.”
Denise requested a restraining order against Aaron, which the judge later granted. “I told Charlie [Sheen] he’s making him look like a saint. Charlie appreciated it,” Denise quipped, referencing her infamous ex-husband. Meanwhile, Erika was supportive and empathetic while Denise spoke.
“You know, Denise, look. I’m really sorry that this has happened to you,” Erika stated. “It’s terrible.” Still, Erika’s next remarks shocked me to my core.
Erika dropped a bombshell about her past in RHOBH
“It’s a lonely, isolating feeling. Just so you know, I went through this, too,” Erika stated. “Not with any of my husbands, but recently.”
She continued, “It’s okay. No one knows. It’s all water under the bridge.” Then Denise remarked, “It’s hard when you’re in it,” and Erika agreed.
Meanwhile, Sutton was stunned by Erika’s admission. “Erika is such a fighter, and so strong,” Sutton said in her confessional. “Never in a million years would I think Erika has endured abuse.” In addition, Denise made the same point at the table. “You know, you look at someone like you, and I’m a strong woman, too. And then if it happened to women like us…,” Denise said, her voice trailing off.
According to Erika, the abuse “happened more than once.” She shared that “the third time, I was just like, ‘This is not for me.’” Then Erika shared another vulnerable moment with her friends.
“You have no idea how shameful it is to be the mother of a police officer, and have to pick up the phone and call 911,” Erika said. “And then call your family member and say, ‘I think you should hear this from me first before you hear it from anyone else.’” As you may know, Erika’s son, Tommy Rizzo, is a police officer in Los Angeles. He prefers to keep a low profile.
While Erika kept her chin up during this scene, you could see the emotion just underneath the surface. This RHOBH moment broke my heart – for both Erika and Denise.
Who was allegedly abusive to Erika?
Sutton asked Erika who had allegedly abused her, but she refused to reveal the person’s name. “I met someone, and it started out fun. There were no expectations of happily ever after, or this is my person,” Erika explained in her confessional. “And it was several months after I met this person that it turned into chaos.”
She continued, “The first time this happened, I was incredibly calm, and I put on my best hostage negotiator voice. And this person was f*cking mad.” She added, “I was afraid, but I was so numb inside that I almost felt nothing.”
Meanwhile, Erika’s husbands weren’t the abusive parties. Plus, Erika told Denise that she had been dating this person after splitting from Tom. Thankfully, Erika moved on from that relationship and found a new man.
Erika is currently dating John “Shrek” McPhee, who is a private security guard for celebrities. The couple met at a musical festival in 2025. In October, Erika spoke about a trip that she and John took to Panama. “It was probably one of the best trips I’ve ever had in my entire life,” Erika stated. “John and I went. Dates and dinners and holding hands and walking around the old city of Panama – and it was so lovely.”
I’m rooting for Erika to find her version of happily-ever-after, whether that is with John or someone else.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills is available to stream on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
TELL US – WAS IT BRAVE OF ERIKA TO SHARE HER HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ABUSE ON RHOBH?
