Erika Jayne’s New Man Is a Real-Life Warrior — And Bravo Fans Are Stunned

ERIKA JAYNE BREAKS HER SILENCE
Inside Her Shocking New Romance With Ex-Delta Force Soldier John ‘Shrek’ McPhee

Erika Jayne has officially gone public with her first relationship in five years, and it's not what fans expected. The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star confirmed she’s dating John “Shrek” McPhee — a tattooed, no-nonsense former military man who might just be the calm after her storm.

Speaking candidly on her podcast Diamonds in the Rough, Erika revealed she’s quietly been seeing McPhee, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major with a reputation for being intense, disciplined, and brutally honest.

“It was really nice. I feel comfortable holding this person’s hand,” Erika said. “I haven’t been seen with anybody in five years.”

The two were photographed together during a manicure-pedicure date in Los Angeles — the first time Erika has been publicly linked with anyone since filing for divorce from Tom Girardi in 2020.

WHO IS JOHN 'SHREK' MCPHEE

McPhee isn’t part of the Beverly Hills social scene — and that’s exactly the point. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan, goes by the nickname “Sheriff of Baghdad,” and now runs a tactical defense business. His clients have included celebrities like Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag.

Erika first encountered him backstage at one of Heidi's shows in London. She recognized him from a podcast and boldly introduced herself. That conversation led to coffee, which led to dates, which led to something that even Erika says feels different.

“He’s a nice man,” she repeated on the show. “And I enjoy my time with him.”

McPhee recently filed for divorce from his own wife in February. Court documents reveal he earns about $17,000 a month from his business and retirement pay. He has been married multiple times and acknowledges how hard military life can be on relationships.

WHERE DOES THIS LEAVE TOM GIRARDI

While Erika is stepping into something new, her old marriage still isn’t over. Tom Girardi, now serving an 87-month federal prison sentence for fraud, remains legally tied to Erika. Their divorce has stalled so severely that it was almost dismissed in June when Erika failed to appear in court.

A critical hearing has been set for August 1, which will determine whether the case moves forward or vanishes altogether.

WILL BRAVO CAPTURE THIS NEW LOVE STORY

With RHOBH Season 15 already filming, fans are asking if McPhee will make an appearance. Bravo hasn’t confirmed anything, but Erika’s bold public statement signals she’s no longer hiding. If he does show up, expect sparks — and plenty of fan reactions.

Some believe she’s finally found a solid, grounded partner. Others are skeptical, wondering if this is just another plot twist wrapped in camo.

BOTTOM LINE

Erika Jayne spent years in the headlines for scandal, heartbreak, and lawsuits. Now, she's stepping back into the spotlight for a reason she controls. Whether John McPhee becomes part of the RHOBH universe or remains a shadow figure in Erika’s off-camera life, one thing is clear: she’s reclaiming her narrative.

And this time, it’s not about diamonds. It’s about feeling safe.