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Credit: Instagram

Erika Jayne opened up about her relationship with rumored boyfriend John “Shrek” McPhee on the latest episode of her shared podcast with Teddi Mellencamp.

As she prepares to head to trial to face allegations regarding her potential involvement with the funds stolen from estranged husband Thomas Girardi‘s former clients, the 54-year-old Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star looked back on her dates with John, 54, revealed how the two of them met, and described the retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major as a “nice man.”

“I met someone and we went out on two dates, and then we went to get a manicure-pedicure,” Erika shared on the July 29 episode of Diamond in the Rough, via Us Weekly. “We were just simply walking in Koreatown, and [we were photographed together]. Obviously, we didn’t know.”

In early July, Erika was photographed holding hands with John after what she referred to as a “nice private moment” at the salon.

“I was just trying to get a manicure, and I was just holding someone’s hand,” she said. “It felt really nice. It was really nice, like, I feel comfortable holding this person’s hand, and he’s a nice man. I haven’t been seen with anybody in five years, so this is a really nice person, and I enjoyed my time with him. He doesn’t live here.”

As for how they met, Erika revealed she first connected with John through Heidi Montag, 38.

“I saw him on a friend of mine’s podcast because I watch everybody’s podcast late at night before I go to bed,” she explained. “I thought, ‘Wow, that’s an interesting interview.’ Then, I saw him again on another and I thought, ‘God, that guy’s kind of interesting,’ and I saw him backstage with Heidi in London just randomly.”

“It was random because [Heidi] went on, and then I went on after her. I thought, ‘That’s the guy from the podcast. I’m gonna walk up and say hello.’ I introduced myself, and I was, like, ‘Hey, my name is Erika, and I’ve seen you on a couple of podcasts. I’m a fan,’” she went on.

While Erika continues to enjoy her new romance, she’s having to prepare for the upcoming jury trial in the $25 million lawsuit that Thomas’ bankruptcy trustee filed against her, claiming she spent the money he took from ex-clients.

“It’s official! Erika Girardi’s trial is finally set. Since the court barred any motions it’ll just be straight to trial. This is Erika‘s greatest exposure in a loss and will be the end of her financial well being. We waited four years for this moment. $25,000,000 is the claim. She got the benefit of the money and the complaint we filed is seeking it all!” declared attorney Ronald Richards on Instagram.

According to an attached document, which Ronald captioned, “Judgment Day,” the pretrial conference is set for January 21, 2026, and the jury trial is set to begin the following month, on February 10, 2026.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 15 is currently in production and expected to premiere on Bravo sometime later this year or early next year.