The plot keeps getting thicker with the scandal surrounding RHOBH star Erika Jayne aka Erika Girardi. One interesting development has been Lisa Rinna’s rather bizarre unwavering loyalty to the 49-year-old embattled pop star.
Kyle Richards, 52, Garcelle Beauvais, 54 and Sutton Stracke, 49 have all been grilling Erika about what she knew and if she was complicit. The ladies seem especially cautious, understandably concerned more about their reputations should the claims against Tom and Erika be proven true than maintaining their friendship with Erika.
But Erika has at least one ride or die ally in Lisa Rinna, 57, which seems a bit odd considering Rinna has a lot to lose (with her personal reputation) should the courts prove Erika is guilty. This unflinching loyalty along with reports that Rinna actually does have some financial connections with Erika causing some people to speculate on whether or not Lisa knows more than she is saying.
Ronald Richards is the attorney assigned to Tom Girardi’s bankruptcy investigation, and he has been quite vocal on Twitter.
“We can confirm that Lisa actually referred EG to her current biz manager,” Ronald said. “There is a high level of trust between them. LR is defending her publicly. We will also confirm that the receivable owed by EJ Global is based upon value received.”
This is a few weeks after Ronald threatened to expose Lisa and Erika’s secret business relationship.
“No more scams for the glam,” he told Lisa after she had blasted show alum, Camille Grammer. Ron has also suggested that Rinna may be deposed in the case if they believe she knows something significant.
A serious rumor had been circulating that Erika Jayne had loaned Rinna several million dollars (the implication being that Rinna may have been helping Jayne launder money).
And on August 11, Lisa appeared on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen to blast the rumor during the After Show, when a viewer asked: “Are you not making Erika own it [this season] because she invested in your makeup line?”
Lisa shot back:
“[Erika] did not invest in Rinna Beauty, let’s get that really straight right now.”….”That was a very terrible rumor. I mean, I would never borrow money from anybody. I have a partner that I’m in business with, Erika did not give me a dime. And by the way, I would never borrow money from a friend. Don’t ever borrow money from a friend — don’t ever get into business with a friend!”
So, she may not have loaned Rinna Beauty money but attorney Ron Richards seems to think there is some sort of unsavory business relationship between the two women.
Garcelle and Rinna were definitely on opposite ends of things after Garcelle grilled Erika.
And on that, let’s switch gears to Dorit Kemsley, who radically changed her tune on this weeks RH episode and now is a staunch supporter of Erika. This is pure speculation on my part, but I have always been suspicious of Dorit and Paul’s money. If anyone in the group would be willing to help launder money for Girardi and EJ, in my opinion, it would be PK.
Thus, I can’t help but wonder if her and PK may be involved somehow. Dorit even admitted to consulting an attorney friend as well as her husband asking “do we have anything to worry about?”, to which PK replied “No, because you know nothing”. So take that for what it’s worth.
I can understand why any of the women may have consulted an attorney. Its a scary situation and they don’t want to get sued for any reason. One issue may be concerns that Girardi could sue them for libel if they express suspicion, so that in itself doesn’t mean much.
Sutton Stracke, 49, also admitted to consulting an attorney friend, but I have no doubt that’s because she is a bit neurotic and cautious and is always worried she is responsible for something she had nothing to do with. (Sutton is an Enneagram 1 personality type.)
Suffice it to say, the noose is tightening on Erika and anyone that may have assisted her.
It’s important to note, that as of yet, no criminal charges have been filed. This is strictly a civil case, but it could become criminal based upon what is found.
Attorney Ronald Richards hints that a deposition from Lisa Rinna in Erika Girardi’s bankruptcy case may be coming
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 11 airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.