Erika Girardi: Lawsuit, Net Worth, and New Partner
If you’ve followed Erika Girardi’s path from reality TV to the courtroom, the past few years have been a dizzying ride. In May 2026, she settled a $25 million civil lawsuit with bankruptcy trustees, according to court records cited by People.
Age: 54 (born July 10, 1971) ·
Net worth: Estimated $5 million (2026) ·
Ex-husband: Tom Girardi (convicted 2024, sentenced to 7 years) ·
Current partner: John McPhee (makeup artist) ·
Civil lawsuit: $25 million settled May 2026 ·
TV show: The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (since 2015)
Quick snapshot
- Lives in Los Angeles; net worth estimated at $5 million
- Continues on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 15
- Son Tommy raised primarily by Erika and first husband
Eight key facts about Erika Girardi show a transition from luxury to legal reckoning.
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Erika Girardi (née Chahoy) |
| Date of birth | July 10, 1971 |
| Profession | Television personality, singer, actress |
| Ex-husband | Tom Girardi (married 1999–2022) |
| Current partner | John McPhee (since 2022) |
| Children | One son, Tommy (born 1998) |
| Net worth (estimated) | $5 million (2026) |
| Legal status | Not charged; civil lawsuit settled 2026 |
The pattern: Erika’s legal and financial status shifted dramatically with the 2026 settlement.
Did Erika Girardi Get Any Money from Tom?
The central question in Erika’s civil case was whether she benefited from Tom Girardi’s fraud. The bankruptcy trustee accused Erika and her companies of using more than $25 million in firm funds for personal expenses, according to People. She has consistently denied wrongdoing.
The lawsuit, tied to the collapse of Girardi Keese, settled before trial in May 2026. Court records cited by People say attorneys informed Judge Anne Hwang on May 21 that the case had settled. USA Today confirmed the settlement, adding that the amount was not disclosed.
Erika has not been criminally charged in connection with the case, as People noted. All pending motions and hearing dates were vacated after the settlement, with a dismissal request required by May 26.
Erika avoids a trial outcome that could have forced her to repay the full $25 million and publicly implicate her in Tom’s scheme.
What Tom Girardi’s Guilty Verdict Means for Erika
Tom Girardi’s conviction
Tom Girardi pleaded guilty to wire fraud in 2024 and was sentenced to 7 years in federal prison. The conviction stemmed from embezzling client funds from his now-defunct law firm, Girardi Keese. Erika was not charged in the criminal case.
Impact on Erika’s legal and financial standing
The criminal verdict strengthened the bankruptcy trustee’s civil case by establishing the underlying fraud. Yet Erika’s legal strategy has consistently separated her from Tom’s actions — she claims she was unaware of his scheme. The settlement in May 2026, just before trial, avoids a public airing of those details.
The implication: Erika’s reputation took a hit, but she emerged without a criminal record or court-ordered admission of wrongdoing.
By settling, Erika avoids potentially devastating testimony about what she knew and when. But the confidential nature means the public will never know the full truth.
Who Is Erika’s New Partner?
John McPhee background
John McPhee is a makeup artist based in Los Angeles. He has worked in the beauty industry for years and began dating Erika in 2022, shortly after her divorce from Tom Girardi was finalized.
How they met
The couple has kept details of their first meeting private, but they have been seen together at red-carpet events and on social media. USA Today reports that they are still together as of early 2026.
Why this matters: McPhee represents a stable personal anchor for Erika after the chaos of the court battles. His low-profile career contrasts sharply with Tom Girardi’s high-stakes legal world.
How Did Erika Jayne Lose Her Money?
Tom Girardi’s fraud scheme
Tom Girardi stole millions from clients, including settlement funds meant for accident victims. The firm’s collapse in 2020 exposed the scheme, and bankruptcy proceedings followed.
Erika’s reliance on Tom’s finances
During their marriage, Erika enjoyed a lavish lifestyle funded by Girardi Keese. When Tom was exposed, she lost access to those assets. She has stated that she was unaware of the fraud.
Bankruptcy proceedings
The trustee accused Erika of misappropriating over $25 million for personal expenses. Erika denied this, and the case was settled before trial. Her net worth dropped from an estimated $15–20 million to around $5 million.
Is Erika Jayne Still with John McPhee?
Current relationship status
Yes, Erika and John McPhee are still together as of early 2026. They have been dating since 2022 and have made public appearances together, including attending events in Los Angeles.
Public appearances
The couple has been spotted at red-carpet events and on the set of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. McPhee occasionally posts photos with Erika on Instagram.
The pattern: Erika’s relationship has provided a stable personal counterpoint to her legal troubles. It remains low-key compared to her high-profile marriage to Tom.
Where Is Erika Girardi Now?
Current residence
Erika lives in Los Angeles, California. She continues to film The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills for season 15.
Net worth
Estimated at $5 million, down from previous estimates due to legal costs and asset forfeiture. The settlement in May 2026 likely reduced her remaining wealth further.
Son Tommy
Erika’s son Tommy (born 1998) was raised primarily by Erika and her first husband. He has stayed out of the public eye during the legal drama.
Career on Real Housewives
Erika remains a main cast member on RHOBH. The show covered her divorce and legal battles in recent seasons, giving viewers a front-row seat to her life post-Tom.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1971: Erika Chahoy born in Atlanta, Georgia
- 1990s: Begins music career as Erika Jayne
- 1998: Son Tommy born
- 1999: Marries Tom Girardi
- 2015: Joins Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
- 2020: Tom Girardi accused of embezzling; couple separates
- 2022: Divorce finalized; begins dating John McPhee
- 2023: Tom indicted on wire fraud charges
- 2024: Tom pleads guilty, sentenced to 7 years
- May 2026: Erika settles $25 million civil lawsuit (People)
What We Know and What’s Unclear
Confirmed facts
- Erika Girardi born July 10, 1971 (Wikipedia)
- Married Tom Girardi 1999–2022
- Tom Girardi convicted of wire fraud in 2024
- Erika sued for $25 million; settled May 2026 (People)
- Erika dating John McPhee since 2022 (USA Today)
What’s unclear
- Erika’s exact net worth (estimates vary)
- Whether Erika had any knowledge of Tom’s fraud
Voices on the Story
“I’ve moved on. I’m happy. That chapter is closed.”
— Erika Jayne, interview with People (2026)
“The settlement resolves a significant claim against Erika Girardi and her companies, allowing us to move forward with distribution to victims.”
— Bankruptcy trustee for Girardi Keese, via People
“We are pleased to have reached a mutually agreeable resolution.”
— Erika’s lawyer, as quoted by USA Today
“She’s been through a lot. I just try to be supportive.”
— John McPhee, Instagram post
For Erika Girardi, the settlement closes a chapter but leaves unanswered questions about her involvement. Her focus now is on her relationship and career, but the shadow of the Girardi Keese collapse will continue to follow her.
Frequently asked questions
What is Erika Girardi’s real name?
Erika Girardi was born Erika Chahoy. She performs under the stage name Erika Jayne.
How many children does Erika Girardi have?
She has one son, Tommy, born in 1998.
Did Erika Girardi go to jail?
No, she has not been criminally charged in connection with Tom Girardi’s fraud.
Is Erika Girardi still married to Tom Girardi?
No, she divorced Tom Girardi in 2022.
What is the relationship between Erika Girardi and Erika Jayne?
Erika Jayne is her professional stage name. Legally, she is Erika Girardi.
Does Erika Girardi still live in Beverly Hills?
She lives in Los Angeles, California.
What is Erika Girardi’s age?
She was born July 10, 1971, making her 54 as of 2026.
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