Erika Jayne is celebrating her victory.
The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star, 50, has been dismissed from the embezzlement and fraud charges against her estranged husband, Tom Girardi, 82. She went on Instagram and shared her own meme following the news.
A laughing Jayne, who was dressed in a plunging black top, flipped the bird and said: “F–k you.”
View this post on Instagram
She’s Dismissed — At Least In Illinois
The dismissals were recorded in the January 29 court documents obtained by Page Six.
“Pursuant to stipulation, plaintiff’s claims against defendants EJ Global LLC and Erika Girardi are dismissed without prejudice and without costs,” the legal documents read.
As per the outlet, the ruling came one day after both parties agreed “dismissal is appropriate.”
Her Attorney Blasting Edelson
Jayne’s attorney, Evan Borges, also released a statement regarding the matter:
“I’d like to see Edelson and everyone else take the high road going forward and not make accusations against Jayne without evidence,” he said.
“We want Edelson to get the most complete picture of the evidence as possible, and have no issue with further investigation. But the truth matters. Here, the truth is that Erika had no role in the Lion Air dealings, actions, or inaction as between the attorneys and their clients, and she never received any of the Lion Air client settlement funds,” he continued.
Borges also said Edelson has the right to re-file the charges against the reality star in California. Although, her dismissal “from the federal lawsuit that triggered bankruptcies of Girardi Keese and Tom Girardi is extremely important.”
Charged With Embezzlement & Fraud
Jayne, who filed for divorce from Girardi in November 2020 after over two decades of marriage, was charged with fraud and embezzlement lawsuit alongside the former attorney and co-founder of Girardi & Keese. In December 2020, the pair was accused of embezzling a hefty sum worth $2 million in settlement funds from the families of Lion Air Flight 610 crash victims.
In the August 2021 legal documents obtained by People, the trustee overseeing the case involving Girardi & Keese claimed that Jayne knew her “expensive” lifestyle was being paid for by her husband’s company and cited “fraudulent transfer” of assets.
“Erika has direct knowledge that for at least 12 years, all of her expenses were being paid by [Girardi’s firm] as she was generating them,” the documents stated. “Moreover, Erika has repeatedly contended, ‘It is expensive to be me.’ The glam cannot be supported by a sham.”
Did The Law Firm Fund Her ‘Expensive’ Lifestyle?
View this post on Instagram
As per the documents, some of the “Lowball” actress’ alleged expenses include $14,000,000 in American Express charges, payments for travel, glam squad, clothes, purses, shoes, jewelry, dancers, and other “lavish expenses.”
Erika was also accused in July 2021 of hiding asset transfers and owing the firm $25 million. Documents filed by the attorney for the bankruptcy trustee claimed that Jayne and her businesses, EJ Global, LLC, and Pretty Mess, Inc., received jewelry and other luxury items purchased using funds belonging to Girardi Keese.
The documents also stated that “Erika signed all of her tax returns, numerous credit card slips, and was well aware of the money she spent on the Debtor’s credit cards and the Debtor’s payment of her personal expenses,” adding, “Her feigned willful blindness and ostrich approach to these expenditures will do absolutely nothing to limit her liability.”
More Claims
Earlier this week, Jayne was accused of receiving diamond earrings paid for by funds stolen from Girardi’s clients
Ronald Richards, the former attorney for the trustee overseeing the bankruptcy case, gave a statement to US Weekly:
“The evidence filed in court by the trustee shows a clear money trail to the purchase of these earrings. Erika should return them immediately. They were purchased with estate funds. She will not be able to hide behind her attorney in her response. She will have to provide testimony under oath and be subject to a deposition if she persists.”
False Accusations?
Jayne denied the accusations.
“I am disturbed by everyone jumping to conclusions about Erika, who is innocent, and trying to blame her for the actions of others,” Borges said of the claims. “If the law matters, the trustee’s motion is completely out of bounds. Even based on the incomplete hearsay evidence filed with the motion, the trustee has no claim based on Erika innocently receiving a gift of earrings 15 years ago from her now estranged and then-extraordinarily wealthy husband.”
