Erika Jayne got brutally honest about her marriage to Tom Girardi during Part 1 of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 Reunion, confirming that she believes he was both emotionally and financially abusive toward her.

While discussing the domestic violence she endured in a previous relationship, Erika opened up about how sharing her story triggered deeper reflections on her long marriage to the disgraced attorney.

When Andy Cohen asked what one question she would ask Tom today, Erika didn’t hesitate:

“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.”

Erika added that Tom was “as sweet as he could be… and as vicious as he could be.” She recalled one particularly painful period:

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

She also admitted she lived in constant fear while filming RHOBH with him in the early seasons.

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

Erika expressed doubt about Tom’s public image as the doting husband who attended her events.

“You know how many times I’ve wondered how much of that was an act?” she said. She pointed out that he never attended any of her Broadway shows or read her book.

Erika’s Current Chapter

Despite the heavy conversation, Erika appeared much lighter when talking about her new boyfriend, John “Shrek” McPhee. She confirmed they’ve been dating for nine months, and her son is “probably more in love with this man than I could ever be.”

She also noted that she feels safe with John and no longer has to walk on eggshells — a stark contrast to her years with Tom.

Context from Season 15

This reunion discussion builds on Erika’s emotional revelation in Episode 10, where she first shared that she had been in an abusive relationship (not with any of her husbands) and had to call 911.

The reunion allowed her to go further into how that experience connected to years of shame surrounding Tom and the ongoing lawsuits she still faces from his legal scandals.

The moment also came amid continued tension with Dorit Kemsley, who claimed she didn’t know the full extent of Erika’s struggles during the Italy trip. Erika responded that she’s been talking about her situation publicly for six years.

Erika’s raw honesty about Tom has left fans emotional, with many praising her for continuing to speak her truth years after their very public split.