RHOC's Tamra Judge Responds to Ryan Boyajian's Alleged Link to Shohei Ohtani Betting Controversy

RHOC’s Tamra Judge Slams Ryan Boyajian’s Alleged Connection to Shohei Ohtani Gambling Scandal

Tamra Judge ; Inset: Jennifer Pedranti ; Ryan Boyajian Mindy Small/Getty Images ; Inset: Anna Webber/Getty Images

Tamra Judge is sharing her thoughts on her Real Housewives of Orange County co-star Ryan Boyajian's rumored involvement in the Shohei Ohtani gambling scandal.

"I didn't agree to be on Mob Wives. I agreed to be on The Real Housewives of Orange County," Judge, 56, expressed during the episode of iHeartRadio's "Two T's in a Pod" podcast on Monday, May 13. "This situation is really serious and unpleasant."

Judge also confirmed We’s exclusive reporting that filming for RHOC season 18 has resumed after news broke of Boyajian’s possible ties to the scandal. Cameras previously went down following a finale party on April 18.

“You guys, it’s bad,” Judge added when expressing her perspective on how big of a deal the case is. “I’m not the one that actually brought it up on the show…originally.”

Earlier this month, Boyajian, 46, was reportedly involved in a gambling and theft scheme with the former interpreter for Ohtani.

ESPN reported on May 8 that the Los Angeles Dodgers’ interpreter Ippei Mizuhara allegedly sent money to Boyajian to cover his gambling debts. On the same day, the U.S. Attorney’s office announced that Mizuhara, 39, had agreed to plead guilty to two federal charges for stealing almost $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account.

Boyajian’s criminal attorney, Steven Katzman, informed ESPN that the reality star is cooperating with federal authorities. According to sources, Boyajian is expected to be granted immunity in exchange for his testimony.

"Due to the ongoing investigation and Ryan's collaboration with the authorities, he is unable to provide any confirmation or denial," Katzman told ESPN. "It is important to note that he is not involved in bookmaking or acting as a sub-bookie."

Katzman responded to Judge's recent podcast episode by stating to Us, "While we can't comment due to an ongoing investigation my client is cooperating with, I can say that Ms. Judge is not fully informed on the facts, misrepresents information with provocative language, and should hold off on making public comments until she is better informed."

Boyajian made his debut on RHOC during season 17 with his then-girlfriend Jennifer Pedranti. The couple, who recently got engaged, faced criticism from some cast members, including Judge, regarding their relationship. Rumors of infidelity and inappropriate Snapchat messages were denied by both parties.

In her most recent podcast episode, Judge pointed out that she had reservations about Boyajian even before any MLB controversy came up. She emphasized, "When will you all start trusting my instincts? I had a feeling about Brooks and I had a feeling about this guy."

Real Housewives of Orange County is streaming now on Peacock. A premiere date for Season 18 has yet to be announced.

Editor's P/S:

The recent gambling scandal involving Real Housewives of Orange County star Ryan Boyajian has sparked controversy among cast members. Tamra Judge has expressed her disapproval, stating that she "didn't agree to be on Mob Wives," highlighting the seriousness of the situation. Judge's concerns are valid, given the gravity of the allegations against Boyajian, who is reportedly involved in a gambling scheme with the former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers player Shohei Ohtani.

Boyajian's criminal attorney has stated that the reality star is cooperating with federal authorities and is expected to receive immunity in exchange for his testimony. However, Judge remains skeptical, emphasizing her reservations about Boyajian's character. The scandal has disrupted filming for the upcoming season of RHOC, further fueling the drama surrounding the case. It remains to be seen how this legal entanglement will impact Boyajian's future on the show and the dynamics among the cast members.