Erika Jayne has a new man by her side, but her old one isn’t exactly gone — at least not legally. The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star was spotted hand-in-hand with a new companion this week, even as her divorce saga with disgraced attorney Tom Girardi threatens to stall permanently.
She looked relaxed, even cheerful, during the Los Angeles stroll. He looked like he’d rather be at the gun range. But who is this guy? Well, it turns out, he’s not your average Hollywood plus-one.
Who Is John “Shrek” McPhee?
The man holding Erika Jayne’s hand is 54-year-old John “Shrek” McPhee — a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major.
He’s no stranger to tough assignments. McPhee spent years serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and has since turned to private security work. Most recently, he’s been acting as Heidi Montag’s bodyguard. Yes, that Heidi from “The Hills.”
You might have seen McPhee recently on The Megyn Kelly Show, where he didn’t exactly sugarcoat his love life. “Being married was like being in prison,” he said bluntly in May, speaking on the emotional toll of military life. He admitted he’s been divorced multiple times and has two adult kids.
This is a guy who’s seen some stuff.
A Surprising Match, and Not Just Because of the Crocs
Let’s be honest — Erika Jayne, with her glam-heavy persona and Bravo TV history, doesn’t scream “military girlfriend.” But love — or whatever this is — often ignores the script.
She wore jeans, a simple tee, and a pink baseball cap. He wore Crocs, cargo shorts, and a T-shirt that said “Slaughter Things.”
The pairing raised eyebrows, sure. But also curiosity. Jayne, after all, has spent the last few years entangled in lawsuits, headlines, and a crumbling marriage that became national news.
McPhee, by comparison, seems… grounded.
Also, let’s not ignore the optics:
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A pop diva known for glam, with a battle-hardened soldier in Crocs.
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A woman known for fighting off legal critics, now with a literal warrior beside her.
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A glitzy reality star and a man who ran missions in war zones.
You couldn’t script this stuff better.
Divorce Drama with Tom Girardi Isn’t Over Yet
While Jayne is clearly moving on in her personal life, her legal life is still stuck in limbo.
She filed for divorce from Tom Girardi back in November 2020 after 21 years of marriage. Nearly four years later, they’re still technically married. Why? Because the case is dragging on — and it might even get tossed.
According to Us Weekly, a hearing took place on June 26 in Los Angeles Superior Court. Neither Girardi nor his legal team showed up. The next hearing is scheduled for August 1. If both sides can’t explain the holdup, the court could throw the whole case out.
That’s not great.
Girardi, once a high-profile attorney in California, is now a convicted felon. He was sentenced on June 3 to seven years and three months behind bars for defrauding clients out of millions. He’ll also pay $2.3 million in restitution and a $35,000 fine.
He’s expected to report to prison on July 17 — just weeks from now.
Timing Isn’t Coincidence — It’s a Statement
Jayne stepping out publicly with a new man just weeks before Girardi enters prison isn’t some random walk in the park. It sends a message.
Remember, this isn’t just any divorce. This is a public relations battle, a legal tightrope, and a media circus all rolled into one.
And Erika’s been through it.
She’s been accused — though never charged — of benefiting from Girardi’s alleged financial misdeeds. She’s had to answer for everything from diamond earrings to luxury lifestyles. And she’s stood her ground, mostly through gritted teeth and rehearsed statements.
So when she walks through LA holding hands with a military veteran wearing “Slaughter Things,” that’s not just a date — that’s a new phase.
McPhee’s Past Might Actually Make Sense Here
McPhee’s personal history isn’t exactly polished. But it might make him a surprisingly good match for someone like Jayne.
He’s lived through the emotional whiplash of war zones, marriage breakdowns, and media spotlights. He’s been blunt about the wreckage.
On The Megyn Kelly Show, he said only the “perfect relationships” survive the strain of military life — and he didn’t have one. He’s open about it. Almost too open.
But maybe that kind of raw honesty is what Erika Jayne needs right now.
Here’s a quick look at what McPhee brings to the table:
| Name | John “Shrek” McPhee |
|---|---|
| Age | 54 |
| Occupation | Retired U.S. Army Special Ops; Private Security |
| Known For | “Sheriff of Baghdad” brand, multiple military tours, podcast guest |
| Marital History | Divorced several times |
| Children | Two adult kids |
| TV Connection | Bodyguard to Heidi Montag |
That’s not your average “Real Housewives” storyline.
What’s Next for Erika — And for Tom?
Jayne may be finding stability in McPhee, but her legal future remains foggy.
The court still hasn’t finalized the divorce. The next few weeks could determine whether the case moves forward or collapses entirely. If it’s dismissed, Jayne might have to refile — or find herself still married to a man who’s headed to federal prison.
Meanwhile, Girardi will start his sentence at age 86. On June 3, the same day he was sentenced, he also celebrated (if you can call it that) his birthday.
Talk about poetic timing.
Jayne and Girardi never had children. Their split, at least on paper, should’ve been clean. But nothing about their breakup has been simple.
Now, with a soldier beside her and a courtroom date looming, Jayne is back in the headlines. Again.
