Sutton Stracke doubts that her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star, Erika Jayne, attributes her weight loss transformation solely to menopause. In an exclusive interview with We, Sutton, age 51, jokingly remarked, "I've experienced menopause, but I certainly don't look like that, but sure."
Erika attributed her weight loss to hormonal changes, stating during the August 1 episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. Andy jokingly suggested the use of the controversial drug Ozempic, commonly used by Housewives to lose weight. However, Erika, aged 52, maintained that her transformation was due to going through menopause.
Sutton Stracke and Erika Jayne Rupert Ramsay/BFA.com/Shutterstock; Image Press Agency/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
Sutton subtly criticized Erika's menopause statement but expressed admiration for her slimmer figure. Admitting her need to follow whatever Erika is doing, the designer acknowledged the transformation in their relationship, which viewers can expect to witness in season 13 of RHOBH.
Sutton spoke about her unique and unexplainable connection with Erika. She described it as a love-hate relationship, where they argue but ultimately still have an affinity for each other. When discussing the current season, Sutton noted that they didn't fight as much as before, although there were still moments of discord.
Sutton observed that in season 13, Erika displays a more gentle and vulnerable side, reflecting on her personal challenges. According to Sutton, there appears to be a sense of stability in Erika's life now and it is refreshing to witness her returning to the person she was when they first met.
In November 2020, Erika garnered attention when she initiated divorce proceedings against Tom Girardi, her husband of 21 years. Within a month, both Erika and Tom were accused of misappropriating funds that were intended for the families affected by plane crashes.
Erika was later dismissed from the lawsuit, but she and 84-year-old Tom were mentioned in multiple subsequent legal filings. In 2021, Tom, who was placed under conservatorship due to his Alzheimer's, was indicted in February for allegedly embezzling over $15 million from his clients, along with his colleague Christopher Kazuo Kamon. He faces five charges of wire fraud, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.
On the other hand, Erika has not faced any criminal charges and has been trying to move forward with her life. In April, she revealed, "My therapist, psychiatrist, friends, and family have been instrumental in helping me overcome this difficult period. It's crucial to have a support system that genuinely cares for you, especially during such a dark and challenging time."
The singer known as "Painkillr" expressed, "That was an incredibly intense and dark period, and I have no desire to return to it. However, I believe that life is shaped by our own actions, and as a result, I have transformed and grown stronger."
As Erika renews her career with the upcoming launch of her Las Vegas residency, "Bet It All on Blonde," Sutton has also been making strides in her professional endeavors. Sutton has recently unveiled her SUTTON Circular Fashion House and begun offering more environmentally friendly fashion options at her SUTTON boutique.
SUTTON Brands, a circular fashion house, has been established by myself and my business partner. Currently, we have two lines under this brand. One of them is my own, a green line. Additionally, we are thrilled to announce that Cynthia Bailey has joined our team and we have designed a label for her. Her launch is scheduled for September, and we couldn't be more excited to have her on board.