Credit: KAT/MEGA
Erika Jayne‘s attorneys are backing down not only from the bankruptcy proceedings against the law firm of her estranged husband Thomas Girardi, Girardi Keese, but also from the bankruptcy case against Thomas himself.
On the heels of The Housewife and the Hustler, which put a spotlight on crimes allegedly committed by the ex-couple against his former clients, creditors, and other lenders, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star’s counsel has requested they be removed from the cases, citing a “fundamental and material breakdown.”
“BREAKING NEWS: Erika Girardi’s attorney moves to withdraw from representation in the Girardi Keese bankruptcy including against the Special Litigation Counsel. Motion below,” attorney Ronald Richards wrote in a tweet shared on June 15.
BREAKING NEWS: Erika Girardi's attorney moves to withdraw from representation in the Girardi Keese bankruptcy including against the Special Litigation Counsel. Motion below. https://t.co/3halBxopi9
— Ronald Richards (@RonaldRichards) June 15, 2021
Then, in a second tweet shared less than 30 minutes later, he confirmed the legal team was also pulling out of the ongoing proceedings against Thomas, who was forced into Chapter 7 bankruptcy in late 2020.
“Erika Jayne‘s counsel is moving to withdraw in the Thomas Girardi bankruptcy as well. Here is a copy of the motion below,” Ronald wrote, noting that The Housewife and the Hustler was “not flattering,” “sickening,” and “hard to watch.”
Breaking: Erika Jayne @erikajayne's counsel is moving to withdraw in the Thomas Girardi bankruptcy as well. Here is a copy of the motion below. The Hulu special also aired last night. It was not flattering / in fact, sickening in many people's opinion. Hard to watch the pain. pic.twitter.com/RyoSDoIBvb
— Ronald Richards (@RonaldRichards) June 15, 2021
When one of Ronald’s followers wanted to know more about the recently filed motions, the attorney explained there was mounting evidence against the RHOBH cast member that suggests she knew much more than she’s led on.
“She was facing evidence that shows she is more than just an innocent spouse, is refusing to cooperate with her attorneys, etc. This is an extraordinary step,” he explained.
In one of the motions to withdraw their representation, Erika’s attorneys confirmed a “fundamental and material breakdown” had taken place between them.
“There has been a fundamental and material breakdown in the relationship between the Firm and Ms. Girardi. The relationship of trust and confidence necessary to the proper functioning of an attorney-client relationship has ceased to exist. In my good faith judgment, the attorney-client relationship has been irreparably damaged and it is no longer possible to carry on an attorney-client relationship with the necessary degree of trust and confidence which is foundational to that relationship,” the counsel explained. “While I do not believe the precise nature of the breakdown can be described without potentially violating the attorney-client privilege or breaching client confidentiality, I am prepared to respond to any questions the court may have in camera, if necessary, subject to the limits imposed by case law.”
Also in the motion, it was confirmed that Erika had learned of the withdrawing of her legal counsel on June 14, the same day the Hulu/ABC documentary premiered, and she was advised to obtain a “replacement counsel.”
“No later than June 14, 2021, Ms. Girardi learned of the Firm’s withdrawal and the Firm’s willingness to facilitate the transfer of Ms. Girardi’s client file to new counsel,” the motion stated.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 11 airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on Bravo.
