RHOBH Star Erika Jayne Reveals the Heartbreaking Truth About Her Romantic Life

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Erika Jayne is opening up about facing abuse in a recent romantic relationship.

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Erika Jayne has been through quite a bit over the last few years. This includes seeing her estranged husband, Tom Girardi, go to jail and having legal troubles of her own. Now, in the most recent episode of “RHOBH,” she has opened up about having been in an abusive relationship. This came after Denise Richards, who is not a cast member this season, discussed her own experience with abuse. 

Erika Jayne Opened Up After Hearing Denise's Story

Richards appeared on season 15 of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" in February 2026. During the episode, she spoke about her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, whom she has accused of various forms of abuse. After hearing her friend's story, Jayne said in the clip, "Just so you know, I went through this, too. Not with any of my husbands, but recently. It's okay, no one knows, you know now." Notably, Sutton Stracke was also at the table with Jayne and Richards.

She bravely continued, "It's all water under the bridge." Richards then shared, "It's hard when you're in it." After that, Jayne shed a bit more light on the situation in a confessional interview, saying, "I met someone, and it started out fun. There were no expectations of happily ever after or 'this is my person' or any of that like bullsh-t, and it was several months after I met this person that it turned into chaos."

Sutton Stracke Reacted To The Painful Revelation

The scene between the three ladies continued with Jayne addressing Stracke. She said, "Do you have a question? You're in a good place with me, so you might as well ask it now." After that, she said, "I was just going back to when you said, 'This happened to me.'"

The scene then cut to one of Stracke's confessionals, in which she said, "I am shocked. Erika is such a fighter and so strong. Never in a million years would I think Erika has endured abuse." She then teared up before admitting, "I don't know. I'm just overwhelmed."

Toward the end of the scene, Jayne confirmed that the abuse occurred "After Tom." For context, according to PEOPLE, she filed for divorce from him in November 2020. She also said, "It had happened more than once. And then the third time I was just like, 'this is not for me.'"

Fans Are Reacting To What Jayne Said

"Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" fans reacted to the emotional scene between Jayne, Richards, and Stracke. One person said on TikTok, "Proud of both Erika and Denise for speaking out." Another fan said, "Love Erika being vulnerable and opening up." Someone else said, "I feel like it’s so important for Erika to share if she wanted to, especially with perceptions like what Sutton said - since a lot of people imagine that it could never happen to someone 'strong.'"

Another person shared insight, writing, "Keeping quiet about abuse, although it’s overwhelming to you too, protects the abuser & now that you’ve broken up, he’s doing it to someone else." Finally, someone else noted the group dynamic, saying, "I really like it when Erika and Sutton get along."

The 'RHOBH' Star Is Dating Someone New

 

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A post shared by Erika Jayne (@theprettymess)

Jayne began dating John McPhee in 2025, and their relationship became public knowledge during the summer. She opened up about her new romance on her "Diamonds in the Rough" podcast with co-host Teddi Mellencamp in July 2025. She said, "I met someone, and we went out on two dates, and then we went to get a manicure-pedicure."

Unfortunately, pictures of the outing were leaked, leading the public to learn the identity of the former US Special Operations service member. Jayne continued, "What was a nice, private moment and a nice, private thing I was having for myself was ruined."

Regarding her dynamic with the new beau, Jayne shared, "It was really nice. Like, I feel comfortable holding this person's hand, and he's a nice man. I haven't been seen with anybody in five years. So this is a really nice person, and I enjoy my time with him."

The 'RHOBH' Star Is Also A DJ

 

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A post shared by Erika Jayne (@theprettymess)

In addition to appearing on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Jayne has been pursuing a career in music for quite some time. Not only has she released singles and music videos, but she also performs at various festivals around the world. However, in October 2025, she announced that she would be DJing under the name DJ Pretty Mess.

According to Locals YR, she will be behind the turntables at the New York State Fair in August 2026.