Less than a year after their divorce and legal issues, Erika Jayne from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and her estranged husband, Tom Girardi, will be the subjects of a new ABC documentary called The Housewife and the Hustler. In November 2020, the reality star announced she and her husband of 21 years decided to go their separate ways. A month after she made the divorce announcement, the couple was slammed with a lawsuit that alleges they embezzled funds meant for the families of the victims of a fatal 2018 plane crash.
Erika was introduced to viewers after she joined the Bravo series in 2015 for its sixth season. She was brought on the show due to her friendship with Yolanda Hadid, who she met through their husbands at the time. As the years went on, Erika became a staple on the show for her glamourous looks and high-end lifestyle. She also developed a strong friendship with Lisa Rinna. Now, with her legal issues and the upcoming documentary, her costars may no longer trust her.
According to People, ABC News Originals is releasing a new documentary on June 14 about Erika and Tom's recent legal controversies. A teaser for the special was released, revealing the title of the documentary, The Housewife and the Hustler. In the trailer, various legal experts, people accusing the lawyer of embezzlement, and several Real Housewives stars, talk about the controversies surrounding the former couple, which came to light after the divorce filing. One legal expert said, "Tom Girardi was L.A. law — so powerful," with another adding, "They were just blowing money left and right." A new clip begins, accusing the 49-year-old and the 81-year-old of staging a divorce as a result of the legal issues.
Avid Housewives fan and comedian Heather McDonald was also featured in the documentary. "I think the biggest question is: Did she know?" she said. The documentary will begin streaming on Hulu and will also feature voicemail messages, court records, and a never-before-aired deposition tape of Tom, ABC News revealed to People. The airing of the new documentary comes weeks after the new season of RHOBH premiered. This season plans to address Erika and Tom's split, as well as their ongoing legal drama. Erika was filming the series for less than a month when she filed for divorce and when she and Tom were hit with several lawsuits. The Pretty Mess author will reportedly not be holding anything back this season and will be as open and honest about the case as she legally can.
Since the new season of RHOBH is only two episodes along, Erika has yet to spill the tea on her divorce and legal issues with Tom. With this new documentary available in less than two weeks, viewers are excited to get insider information on the divorce and embezzlement case sooner than expected. So far, it seems as though the documentary is going to reveal more than Erika ever will.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Wednesdays at 8 pm ET on Bravo.
Sources: People, Bravobybetches/ Instagram