Summary (tl;dr)

"The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star Erika Jayne is publicly dating John "Shrek" McPhee, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations sergeant major, marking her first significant relationship since her 2020 divorce from Tom Girardi. Their romance gained public attention after paparazzi photos surfaced in July 2025, with Jayne subsequently opening up about their connection on her podcast and the latest season of RHOBH.

Essential Background

Erika Jayne, known for her role on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," filed for divorce from her husband, prominent attorney Tom Girardi, in November 2020 after 22 years of marriage. The divorce proceedings have been complicated by Girardi's extensive legal troubles, including a years-long embezzlement scandal. In June 2025, Girardi was sentenced to over seven years in prison on wire fraud charges, leaving Jayne single for five years prior to her new relationship.

The Full Story

John McPhee, often referred to by his nickname "Shrek," is trending due to his high-profile relationship with Erika Jayne. The couple first drew widespread attention in July 2025 when they were photographed holding hands in Los Angeles. Jayne later revealed the details of their courtship on her "Diamonds in the Rough" podcast and during the current 15th season of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills". She explained that they met in June 2025 backstage at the Mighty Hoopla festival in London, where Jayne was performing and McPhee was working as private security for Heidi Montag. Jayne, having recognized McPhee from previous podcast appearances, initiated their first conversation. As of December 2025, Jayne confirmed they had been dating for six months and spent the holidays together, even taking a recent trip to Panama. McPhee is a 54-year-old retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major who also runs SOB Tactical, a company specializing in private security and tactical training.

Why It Matters

This relationship is significant as it marks Erika Jayne's first public romance since her tumultuous divorce and the highly publicized legal issues surrounding her estranged husband, Tom Girardi. The pairing is particularly noteworthy given McPhee's background as a military veteran and security professional, placing him outside Jayne's typical entertainment industry circle. While some friends have reportedly advised caution due to McPhee's history of multiple divorces, Jayne has expressed a sense of comfort and happiness in the relationship, describing him as a "centered" and "giving" individual. This new chapter for Jayne has garnered considerable public and media interest as fans follow her journey after a challenging period.

Geographic Location

• London, England, United Kingdom (Erika Jayne and John McPhee met at the Mighty Hoopla festival)
• Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (paparazzi photos of Erika Jayne and John McPhee emerged; Erika Jayne discussed the relationship on her podcast recorded here)
• Panama City, Panama Province, Panama (Erika Jayne and John McPhee vacationed)