Erika Jayne Discusses “Starting Over” in Life Without Tom Girardi and How She "Wasn't Prepared"
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Erika Jayne has proved once again that nothing can keep her down, even if that means “losing everything.”
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member’s Sin City residency was highlighted on Bravo’s special documentary, Erika Jayne: Bet It All on Blonde, which premiered on March 6. On the series, the "XXPEN$IVE" songstress showcased her vulnerable side as she tracked her month-long journey to her opening night in Las Vegas.
Along the way, Erika opened up about recent dealings she’s faced since filing for divorce from Tom Girardi, including how his personal issues took a toll on her life in more ways than one while prepping for her limited date residency.
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Erika Jayne on “starting over” in life after separation from Tom Girardi
At the beginning of the two-part series, Erika immediately reflected on how the “last three years have sucked,” considering her failed marriage and Tom’s ongoing problems.
“It’s hard because I remember the warm Tom, the sweet Tom, the Tom that helped kids get into schools [and] pays for tuition,” Erika explained what she admired about her ex. Despite Tom showing many acts of grace over the years, Erika admitted that she “never predicated” that her estranged husband would be in the situation he is today.
When weighing on her separation, Erika shared that she wasn’t “prepared” when leaving Tom, but she was optimistic about her next chapter in life, saying, “I lost everything, and I’m starting over.”
Erika Jayne at a restaurant with her ex husband Tom Girardi during The Real Housewives or Beverly Hills. Photo: Bravo
Erika Jayne reflects on her old “way of living” and new "budget"
With Erika’s restart on life that meant she had to give up her fancy lifestyle compiling of designer apparel and traveling privately. And while the RHOBH ‘Wife is no longer living that "wealthy" lifestyle anymore, that didn’t stop her from giving an opinion on her past ways.
“I had a very privileged, wealthy lifestyle,” she said. “That way of living – it’s way gone and the last three years I’ve gotten a real hardcore lesson on the old budget.”
Erika Jayne explains why she feels “punished” for her last name
Speaking of budget, Erika and her creative director, Mikey Minden, found themselves with their back against the wall after being denied $100,000 in additional funds to fulfill their vision for the performance.
“F-ck it, if they’re not going to give us the money, then I’ll figure out how to get it myself,” Erika told Mikey.
Erika posts a photo of herself on January 18, 2024 to Instagram. Photo: Erika Jayne/Instagram
Of course, Erika attempted to make her plan a reality by applying for a personal loan; however, she was denied. When processing the news, Erika got emotional because she felt the bank was biased due to her married name.
Erika Jayne Reveals Her “Biggest Insecurity” About Her Las Vegas Residency
“I still am punished for [Tom’s] mistakes, so much so that I don’t really have my own freedom because I’m still wearing the last name,” she explained in the documentary. “And so I’ve worked really hard to have my own life and rebuild, and that’s what the residency means to me, but am I ever going to get away from this?”
Erika Jayne’s Las Vegas residency made her “happy for once”
Despite facing various challenges leading up to the opening night of her show in Las Vegas, Erika persevered and put on an incredible performance that received “rave reviews.”
Erika Jayne performs during the grand opening of her residency show, "Bet It All On Blonde" at House of Blues Las Vegas at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino on August 25, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Denise Truscello/Getty Images for Live Nation Las Vegas
In the final moments of the documentary, Erika teared up while expressing her thoughts on her first show. "It’s here, we did it… So many people were really rooting for me, and I just hope I made them happy,” she said proudly. “Because I was happy for once in a very long time.”
Erika Jayne on the importance of talking about Tom Girardi on Bet it All on Blonde
Erika Spills New Details on Life After Ex, Tom Girardi, and What Was "Nice" to Share in Bet It All on Blonde
After filming the special, Erika spoke with The Daily Dish about sharing her truth about her split from the former attorney on camera.
"Well, it was nice to actually be able to speak on my own, and not be questioned and not be in a format such as [The] Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," Erika explained. "It's a different look at my life, and what I do."
-Additional reporting by Stephanie Gomulka
