Erika Jayne Opens Up About Why She Finally Shared Her Domestic Violence Story on RHOBH: “Had Denise Not Said Anything, I Probably Wouldn’t Have” | Reunion Part 1

Trigger Warning: This article contains discussions of domestic violence.

Erika Jayne went deeper into her past experience with domestic violence during Part 1 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Reunion, explaining what prompted her to speak out and how it connected to long-buried shame about her marriage to Tom Girardi.

While Erika had first shared during Episode 10 (in a private dinner with Denise Richards and Sutton Stracke) that she had recently been in an abusive relationship — not with any of her husbands — and had to call 911, the reunion allowed her to reflect on the decision and its emotional aftermath.

When Andy Cohen asked why she chose to open up this season, Erika was candid:

“Well, I’d held it for a long time. And had Denise [Richards] not said anything, I probably wouldn’t have said anything, either.”

She described the moment she knew she had to call the police on her abuser:

“I called the cops. I gave this person a chance to leave. They did not. And I was like, ‘F*ck no, man. Okay. I have to call 911.’”

Erika added that she hasn’t heard from the person since the episode aired. However, sharing her story triggered significant shame related to her long marriage to Tom Girardi.

New Revelations About Tom Girardi

Erika confirmed that she views Tom as both emotionally and financially abusive. She shared one particularly painful memory:

“Tom, one time, did not talk to me for six weeks.”

She also admitted she lived with constant anxiety while filming RHOBH with Tom in the early seasons.

“Oh, f*ck yes. What if I said the wrong thing?” Erika said, recalling how Tom told her after her first interview, “You’re not going to get this job.”

Erika expressed doubt about Tom’s public persona as the supportive husband, wondering how much of it was genuine. She noted he never attended her Broadway performances or read her book.

When asked what one question she would ask Tom today, Erika replied:

“Why did you throw me out like that? You know, ’cause I’m in an almost impossible situation. I’m swimming under all of these lawsuits.”

Where Erika Stands Now

Despite the heavy conversation, Erika appeared positive when discussing her current relationship with John “Shrek” McPhee. She revealed they’ve been dating for nine months, and her son is “probably more in love with this man than I could ever be.”

The segment ended on a slightly awkward note when Erika noticed Dorit using a Chanel makeup kit she had gifted her years ago. Dorit called it a sign of how much Erika meant to her, prompting Erika to reply “Same!” — though Dorit later muttered it was “some weird sh*t.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, help is available. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.