Erika Jayne's Shocking Encounter: Exclusive Meeting With Alleged Victims Defrauded by Estranged Husband Tom Girardi

Erika Jayne Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock

Erika Jayne recently attended a Paul’s Ice Cream event in Los Angeles, where she interacted with individuals who have accused her estranged husband, Tom Girardi, of defrauding them. According to a report from Page Six, the 52-year-old star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills expressed her willingness to listen and understand the circumstances surrounding Tom’s alleged victims. Erika stated that her intention was to collaboratively find a way to move forward that would be beneficial for all the victims.

Paul’s Ice Cream was established by Kimberly Archie and Kathy Ruigomez. Kimberly Archie used to work at Girardi Keese, a law firm where Tom also worked before. Kathy Ruigomez's son, Joseph Ruigomez, suffered severe injuries in the 2010 San Bruno pipeline explosion. In 2020, the family won an $11 million settlement against PG&E, which Kathy alleged that Tom fraudulently took. The documentary The Housewife & the Hustler in 2021 highlighted Joseph's story.

In addition, Erika reportedly had a conversation with Josie Hernandez, who sought legal advice from Tom in 2014. Josie experienced health issues after undergoing multiple unsuccessful surgeries for an implant related to post-childbirth incontinence problems. Girardi Keese settled her case for $135,000. However, by 2019, Hernandez claimed that she had not received any payments.

Matt Baron/Shutterstock

After being married for 21 years, Erika filed for divorce from Tom in November 2020. However, just a month later, they both faced allegations of embezzling funds that were intended for the families affected by a plane crash. In January 2022, Erika was dismissed from that lawsuit, but both of them were later involved in several other legal disputes.

Tom was indicted in February for allegedly embezzling over $15 million from his clients. He faced five counts of wire fraud, which has a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. The federal indictment claimed that Tom and his colleague, Christopher Kazuo Kamon, fraudulently acquired millions of dollars belonging to Girardi Keese clients from 2010 to December 2020. On the other hand, Erika was not implicated or charged with any crimes. Following Tom's indictment gaining widespread attention, the reality star expressed her intention to address the case in the upcoming months. When approached by paparazzi in February, she mentioned, "I have something to say, but not at this moment. You'll hear from me soon."

Earlier this year, Erika described 2022 as an emotionally challenging period for her. One of the main reasons was her separation from Tom and the controversy surrounding his previous business. In an exclusive interview with us in April, she candidly admitted, "There was a point where I didn't want to face the day anymore. I reached a moment where I questioned my existence."

However, Erika shared that things started to improve when she sought professional help and leaned on the love and support of her friends and family. "My therapist, psychiatrist, and the people closest to me played a crucial role in my journey," she revealed. "Having caring individuals surrounding you is essential. It was a difficult and bleak time, but I found my way through it."

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the Suicide Prevention & Crisis Lifeline at 988.