Erika Girardi.Photo:Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty
Rich Polk/Bravo via Getty
Erika Girardiis opening up about the difficult process of getting back on her feet following herdivorcefromTom Girardi.
In Wednesday’s episode ofThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, the reality star admitted that her path to financial freedom was “frightening” after she left her husband of 21 years. The topic came up during dinner with castmatesGarcelle Beauvais,Dorit KemsleyandKyle Richards.
Dorit, 47, asked the women if any of them have reached a point where money would not make their lives happier. Erika, 52, quickly replied no, explaining that she would need to be in a position where she no longer had to worry about paying bills.
She told her friends she was experiencing a lot of financial anxiety, especially since she had to gain financial autonomy post-split. “It is frightening to be out there on your own — no backup, no safety plan, no net,” she said.
“[It’s] soul-crushing,” Erika added. “How am I ever going to get above water?”
Erika and Tom Girardi in 2016.Steve Eichner/AP
Steve Eichner/AP
Erika filed for divorce from Tom, 84, in November 2020. Shortly after, the Girardi & Keese law firm founder becameembroiled in several legal controversies, including lawsuits brought against him for allegedly embezzling settlement funds meant to help the families of victims of Lion Air Flight 610. (In February, he wasindicted on fraud chargesrelated to the 2018 plane crash.)
The filings detailed some of Erika’s alleged expenses, including more than $14 million in American Express charges, as well as payments for travel,clothes, shoes, purses, jewelry and her glam squad.
Amid the former couple’s ongoing financial issues, Erika moved out of the Pasadena mansion she and Tom shared throughout their marriage, and the property was later put up for sale. Erika settled into a much smaller three-bedroom, two-bathroom home as she embarked on her newly single life.
A source told PEOPLE at the time that Erika was excited about the fresh start in her own space. “Erika has been living in the house for a while. She’s made it her own space and loves it,” the insider said. “She’s doing well and is happy.”
Erika Girardi attends BravoCon 2023.Jenny Kim/Bravo via Getty
Jenny Kim/Bravo via Getty
At the premiere of her Bet It All on BlondeLas Vegas residencyin August, Erikaseemingly addressed her divorceas she spoke to the audience.
“It’s a new life, it’s a new day. And not only am I keeping the door open, but you should too,” she said.
Talking to PEOPLE that same night, she addressed her candid comment to the crowd: “Well, you have to acknowledge what is happening. It is happening."
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The Real Housewives of Beverly Hillsairs Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo.
source: people.com
