RHOC: Elizabeth Vargas Reveals How Her Past Aligns with Erika Jayne

The Real Housewives of Orange County alum Elizabeth Vargas weighed in on Erika Jayne’s relationship with Tom Girardi, revealing she was in a similar situation. Erika is currently in the midst of some legal issues with her estranged husband after he embezzled millions of dollars meant for the families of those killed in the 2018 plane crash in Indonesia. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star claimed she had no idea Tom was doing this behind her back, and that she was blindsided by the scandal.

Elizabeth, who only appeared in season 15 of the Bravo series, was once in a similar relationship to Erika. She married a man more than 20 years her senior, who was also quite powerful. Elizabeth, who was fired from RHOC, admitted to feeling unhappy in her marriage to her now-ex and was happier now that she no longer had to please him. The former reality star understands what it’s like to be married to a powerful man and is throwing her support behind the singer.

During an interview on the Unpopular with Jacques Peterson podcast, the former jazz singer revealed her thoughts on Erika’s legal woes and her divorce from Tom. Elizabeth believes Erika had no idea about Tom’s financial dealings as she was in a similar situation with her own ex-husband, Norwegian businessman, Bernt Bodal. The 45-year-old met her ex in a nightclub in her 20s while performing as a jazz singer. “I’m telling you what girl, I believe you when you say you didn’t know what the f**k he was doing,” Elizabeth admitted to the podcast host. “You don’t know where that money’s going, you don’t even know where you’re getting the money from.”

She continued, “You get it, you don’t ask questions, and you enjoy your life. I was in that situation; I completely understand her.” Elizabeth wishes she knew Erika so she could “hug her and tell her” how she understands it can be difficult to come from nothing and all of a sudden become “engulfed in this weird world of money.” Similar to the RHOBH star, Elizabeth was forced to live a more normal life compared to what she was used to with Bernt. Elizabeth met her ex-husband in 2000 before their nasty split in 2017. However, their divorce was not finalized until 2020, which was documented in season 15 of RHOC. Erika was with Tom for just over 20 years before their break up in November 2020.

While Elizabeth hasn’t gone through the same legal and divorce woes as Erika, she understands what it is like to be married to someone with so much money. Similar to Erika, The Real Housewives of Orange County alum was often dismissed when she asked about their finances. Being married to a rich, powerful man may sound good on paper, but it isn’t the key to ultimate happiness.

Sources: Unpopular with Jacques Peterson Podcast

About The Author