RHOBH: Why Erika Jayne Should Think Twice Before Settling Her Lawsuit

Insiders say Erika Jayne’s legal team is working to reach a settlement in The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star’s $25 million lawsuit. However, a settlement might spell out even more trouble for the reality star. Erika has been under fire as her estranged ex-husband is on the hook for millions of dollars he stole from old clients and business partners. Erika has been attempting to maintain her innocence in the matter. But a settlement could make it appear as though she knew far more about Tom Girardi’s shady business practices than she claims.

Erika’s fall from grace has played out in season 11. As the RHOBH reunion inches closer to airing, Erika is gearing up to be put in the hot seat once more after getting scolded by Andy Cohen. The WWHL host didn’t hold back when questioning Erika about her alleged involvement with Tom’s embezzlement cases. With all eyes on Erika, she’s being forced to figure out a solution to clear her name and continue living a lavish celebrity lifestyle. But Erika is still being called out for the $25 million Tom’s law firm funneled to her businesses.

Most recently, attorney Ronald Richards revealed information about the private discussions he has been having with Erika’s legal team in hopes of reaching a settlement. Records show that Tom’s law firm gave $25 million to Erika “to cover her expenses over a 12-year period,” Richards told Us Weekly. The lawyer hired by the trustee overseeing Tom’s bankruptcy and multi-million dollar lawsuit wants to get Erika to pay back the $25 million given to her by Tom, so it can go to some of his victims. However, Erika’s legal team says she’s not obligated to pay for crimes she did not commit. “I can’t say enough that based on the evidence and law, Erika does not have liability for any of the claims against her,” Erika’s attorney Evan C. Borges said in response. “All the claims against Erika amount to efforts to blame her for the actions of others, including Girardi Keese and Tom Girardi.”

In the event Erika was to pay the settlement, it would make her look guilty and involved in Tom’s dealings. All this time, Erika has maintained her innocence and says she knew nothing about where Tom got his money from. While she acknowledges all the money he spent on her over the course of their 20-year marriage, she says she was left in the dark about the funds he was embezzling from his clients, partners, and lenders. Settling the $25 million lawsuit would bring more trouble Erika’s way than it’s worth. However, Richards is pushing to get the Bravo star to settle. He would rather Erika pay back the victims than continue to pay pricey lawyers.

Richards gave Erika one week to accept the settlement offer, but The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is fighting to the end. The upcoming reunion isn’t going to make things easier on her. Viewers are ready to take in the full four-part reunion and indulge in the scathing questions Andy threw Erika’s way. The teaser trailer shows Erika is brought to tears and begs for her co-stars to back her up. But there’s no one to back her up with this $25 million lawsuit. The longer Erika fights it, the more Richards will continue to blast her in the press and on social media.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.

Source: Us Weekly