Based on the mountain of allegations surrounding Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Erika Jayne and her soon-to-be ex-husband Tom Girardi, calling Tom a crook seems to be putting it mildly. Tom is accused of embezzling millions from his clients, who are victims are terrible accidents, to fund the Girardis’ over-the-top lifestyle. To make matters worse, the victims had to watch their money be (allegedly) spent by Erika on TV, considering being rich has been Erika’s only consistent personality trait since she made her debut on the show.
Tom’s in deep shit. And Erika’s sketchy-looking divorce isn’t fooling anyone. The couple had their assets frozen. Tom lost not only the right to practice law, but his civil rights in general as he’s now under a conservatorship. While Erika’s asking where the money is, it’s pretty obvious — in her closet. And for some reason, her RHOBH co-stars aren’t totally outraged. Outside of Sutton Stracke, who’s doing God’s work by asking the real hard-hitting questions about the situation.
Tom and Erika haven’t exactly been cooperative throughout the legal process. Erika has to turn over her financial records to the court. Meanwhile, she’s trying to do everything in her power to get out of this mess scot-free, but it isn’t fooling anyone. Well, except for maybe Lisa Rinna. And now according to a report from Us Weekly, Tom is sticking firm with his decision to plead the fifth as to not dig himself into a deeper hole.
One of the central aspects of Tom’s legal woes is that he’s being accused of embezzling millions from victims in the Lion Air Flight 610 crash. The couple is facing a class-action lawsuit brought forth by Jay Edelson of Edelson PC, who’s the only one defending the victims and trying to get the money they’re due. Jay even has claimed Tom tried to bribe him to get out of the situation, so no wonder the disgraced attorney plans to plead the fifth.
RELATED: Crystal Kung Minkoff Defends Erika Jayne’s Perceived Lack Of Empathy For Tom Girardi’s Clients
Law 360 is the source of the scoop that Tom told a Chicago federal judge that if he’s called to the stand in the upcoming September hearing, he will invoke his right to remain silent. It’s not clear if that also includes statements from his brother Robert Girardi, who’s been appointed by a court to be Tom’s conservator.
And it’s clear that Erika is being investigated thoroughly, so who knows if she’ll pull an Ice Queen move and remain silent if asked to testify. Or if she’ll bring her story telling skills that we’ve been seeing this season to the stand to defend her so-called ignorance. Regardless, it’s clear Bravo producers aren’t trying to be caught in the middle. And will cooperate as much as possible with the courts to find out the truth.
RELATED: Funds From Tom Girardi’s Law Firm Used To Buy Jewelry For Erika Jayne
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF TOM REFUSING TO TESTIFY AT THE HEARING? DO YOU THINK ERIKA WILL TRULY BE COOPERATIVE WITH THE COURT?
[Photo Credit: Bravo]
