5 Shocking Updates On Erika Jayne’s New Boyfriend John ‘Shrek’ McPhee (And The Military Scandal)

Erika Jayne, the ever-resilient star of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH), has finally moved on from the devastating legal and financial fallout of her marriage to Tom Girardi. Her dating life has been a major point of curiosity for fans, and as of late December 2025, the pop singer is happily enjoying a new, high-profile relationship. This new chapter introduces a man as complex and controversial as her recent past: John “Shrek” McPhee.

The relationship with John McPhee marks a significant step for Erika, who spent years navigating the intense public scrutiny following her divorce and the massive embezzlement scandal. While she has been vocal about taking things slow, the details emerging about her new beau—a decorated veteran with a storied, and sometimes disputed, past—prove that Erika Jayne’s life is anything but quiet. Here is everything you need to know about her current boyfriend and the latest updates on her life.

Erika Jayne: A Brief Biography and Profile

• Full Name: Erika Girardi (née Chahoy)
• Known As: Erika Jayne
• Date of Birth: July 10, 1971
• Age: 54 (as of 2025)
• Place of Birth: Atlanta, Georgia
• Occupation: Singer-Songwriter, Television Personality, Actress
• Signature Persona: "Erika Jayne," a provocative dance-pop alter ego.
• Famous For: Starring on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (since Season 6), hits like "Pretty Mess," and her high-profile divorce from attorney Tom Girardi.
• First Marriage: Thomas Zizzo (1991–1996)
• Second Marriage: Tom Girardi (1999–2020)
• Children: One son, Tommy Zizzo, a police officer.
• Reported Net Worth (2025): Approximately $5 million.

1. Who is John “Shrek” McPhee? The New Man in Erika’s Life

Erika Jayne’s current boyfriend is John “Shrek” McPhee, a man with a formidable background that is a stark contrast to her previous life with a high-powered attorney.

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A Decorated Military Veteran

McPhee is a retired United States Army Special Operations veteran. He is known by the nickname “Shrek” and also the moniker, “The Sheriff of Baghdad.” His military career is reported to include time as a Delta Force operator, making him one of the most elite soldiers in the U.S. Army.

Current Career as a Tactical Coach

Since retiring from the military, McPhee has transitioned into a career as a tactical training coach and a bodyguard for various high-profile personalities. This new line of work is how he is believed to have crossed paths with the reality television star. He is a prominent figure in the tactical community, often sharing his expertise and political views on various platforms.

2. The Relationship Status: ‘He’s a Nice Man’

The relationship between Erika and John was first confirmed by paparazzi photos showing them holding hands in Los Angeles in mid-2025. Erika has since publicly acknowledged the romance, albeit with a degree of caution, on her iHeartRadio podcast, Diamonds in the Rough.

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In a recent update in October 2025, Erika confirmed that she is still dating McPhee and that she is enjoying the time they spend together. She described him simply as a “really nice person,” emphasizing that the relationship is a source of happiness and a welcome change of pace following the years of drama. The two do not live together, as McPhee does not reside full-time in Los Angeles, which seems to suit Erika's desire to take things slow and focus on her career resurgence.

3. The Controversy: Allegations of Exaggerated Military Service

In true Erika Jayne fashion, her new relationship has not been without controversy. John McPhee has faced significant public scrutiny and criticism regarding the accuracy of his military service record and claims.

• The Core Allegation: Critics, including some within the veteran community, have alleged that McPhee has exaggerated or fabricated certain aspects of his service, specifically regarding his involvement in certain high-profile operations or his rank.
• The "Sheriff of Baghdad" Nickname: While legendary, the "Sheriff of Baghdad" persona and the stories associated with it have been subject to intense debate and fact-checking.
• Erika's Reaction: While her friends have reportedly warned her to be careful about McPhee’s background, Erika has continued to date him, suggesting she is either unbothered by the rumors or trusts her new partner. This situation is eerily familiar to the intense scrutiny she faced over her previous husband's legal troubles.

4. The Context: Tom Girardi’s Latest Legal Updates

Erika Jayne's return to dating is set against the backdrop of her estranged husband Tom Girardi's ongoing legal nightmare, which continues to dominate headlines in 2025.

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The former high-powered attorney, who is now 85 and reportedly hospitalized due to liver dysfunction, is facing serious consequences for his actions. Recent updates confirm that:

• Girardi was found guilty of four counts of wire fraud and was sentenced, though he could have faced up to 80 years in prison.
• His sentencing date was scheduled for May 7, 2025, a date that coincides with his 86th birthday.
• A federal judge dismissed some criminal charges against Girardi in Chicago related to the embezzlement of client funds, though he remains incarcerated and is appealing his fraud conviction.
• The legal fallout also extended to his former associates, with the former accounting chief at his now-defunct law firm, Girardi Keese, facing their own trial in April 2025.

Erika's ability to compartmentalize and pursue a new relationship amidst this intense, ongoing legal drama is a testament to the "Pretty Mess" resilience she has shown on RHOBH.

5. The Future: A New Era for the Pretty Mess

With her new relationship stable as of late 2025, Erika Jayne is focusing on rebuilding her empire, separate from the Girardi name. Her primary focus remains her entertainment career, including her music and her pivotal role on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Her public appearances, including her discussions at BravoCon 2025, have all centered on her newfound independence and her commitment to moving forward.

The relationship with John McPhee is a clear departure from her life with Tom Girardi. McPhee is closer to her in age, comes from a completely different world, and represents a more rugged, less opulent lifestyle. For the woman who once sang "It's Expensive to Be Me," this new chapter signals a shift towards a more grounded, yet still headline-grabbing, reality.