'RHOBH' Star Erika Jayne Demanding Damages In Tom Girardi's Bankruptcy
Jan. 24 2022, Published 3:00 p.m. ET
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne is demanding a cut of any extra money in Tom Girardi’s bankruptcy despite orphans and widows still fighting for their millions.
According to court documents obtained by Radar, the Bravo star has filed a claim in Chapter 7 for the law firm owned founded by Girardi.
The firm is accused of owing $101 million to various creditors. The once-respected lawyer reportedly ran the company like a Ponzi scheme. Many of his former clients claim to be owed millions.
In one federal lawsuit, a group of orphans and widows claim they were screwed out of $2 million stemming from a settlement with Boeing over a plane crash.
The lawyer representing the group claims financial records prove Girardi used the orphans’ money to pay bills for Jayne’s company EJ Global.
So far, Jayne has refused to pay back a dime and claims she knew nothing of her husband’s activities.
In the new filing, Jayne is making moves to be paid out from the bankruptcy. Jayne explains she was married to Girardi on January 7, 2000, more than 22 years ago. She says they had no pre-nuptial agreement.
The RHOBH star filed for divorce from Girardi in November 2020 as his financial problems started to mount. Normally, she would be receiving half of Girardi’s estate. Now, it’s unclear if she will see a dime due to his massive debts.
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Jayne tells the judge her divorce is on pause due to the bankruptcy cases. She says during their marriage Girardi and his firm managed her finances and the finances of her company EJ Global.
She says she has no law degree and did not participate in the management of the financial affairs, law practice, or business affairs of Girardi or interact with his clients.
Jayne says she “deferred to [Girardi], given his apparent superior knowledge and expertise.” The reality star says she is asserting a community property interest and claim in any such surplus or equity distribution otherwise due to the law firm.
In the filing, Jayne also claims to have been damaged by her estranged husband’s actions. She says the amount is undetermined currently.
Jayne not only wants a cut of any surplus brought in after the creditors are paid but wants money for the damages to her. She points to Girardi’s creditors — including the orphans and widows — of starting the process to come after he for money.
The RHOBH star says she wants Girardi’s bankruptcy to pay any costs that she incurs in those separate legal actions. The trustee has yet to respond.