Erika Jayne opens up about her unexpected new romance with retired Delta Force operator John McPhee after years of public scrutiny and heartbreak, revealing how a chance backstage meeting led to a surprisingly emotional connection that’s brought warmth and hope back into her life.

Erika Jayne is stepping back into the spotlight — this time not for legal drama or reality TV feuds, but for a surprising new romance that has fans buzzing.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, 54, confirmed during the July 30 episode of her iHeartRadio podcast Diamonds in the Rough, co-hosted with Teddi Mellencamp, that she’s seeing someone new: none other than retired U.S. Army Delta Force Operator John “Shrek” McPhee.

Speculation exploded earlier this month after Jayne was photographed holding hands with a mystery man on the streets of Los Angeles.

That man, she now reveals, was McPhee — a highly decorated Special Operations veteran known in tactical circles as the “Sheriff of Baghdad,” who has since built a social media following of over 1 million combined followers across Instagram and TikTok.

The pair’s casual nail salon date quickly turned into a public spectacle, with paparazzi capturing their affectionate moment and igniting rumors of a serious relationship.

“I met someone and we went out on two dates,” Jayne said on the podcast. “And then we went to get a manicure-pedicure. Obviously, we didn’t know anyone was taking pictures.”

While Jayne admitted the unexpected public attention caught her off guard, she also spoke candidly about the man himself: “This is a really nice person, and I enjoy my time with him. I haven’t been seen with anybody in five years, so this is a really nice thing.”

The connection between Jayne and McPhee began in an unlikely place — backstage at a Heidi Montag concert in London. Erika, who was performing after Montag during the event, recognized McPhee from his numerous podcast appearances.

He currently works as private security for Montag and Spencer Pratt and is godfather to their son, Gunner.

“It was random,” Jayne recalled. “She [Heidi] went on, then I went on after her. I thought, ‘That’s the guy from the podcast.’

So I walked up and introduced myself. I was like, ‘Hey, my name is Erika, and I’ve seen a couple of your podcasts. I’m a fan.’”

McPhee, a no-nonsense figure known for his military background and straightforward personality, has not publicly commented on the relationship.

However, he has been active on social media, sharing behind-the-scenes videos from his life as a security professional, including a now-viral clip from June 3 where he playfully guarded Montag’s dressing room door.

“It’s all ‘Heidiwood’ behind this door,” he joked. “That’s why I’m standing here. I’m not gonna let you in.”

Jayne’s new romance comes five years after her highly publicized split from disgraced attorney Tom Girardi, to whom she was married for 22 years.

The couple divorced in 2020, just months before Girardi, now 86, was hit with multiple federal charges for embezzling millions from clients. In March 2025, Girardi was found guilty on four counts of wire fraud.

He currently resides in a medical facility following a diagnosis of dementia and late-onset Alzheimer’s.

Since the scandal broke, Jayne has faced intense scrutiny, with critics questioning whether she was aware of Girardi’s criminal activity.

She has consistently denied any involvement and has not been criminally charged. In recent interviews and podcast episodes, Jayne has spoken openly about the emotional and financial toll the ordeal has taken on her.

“The path to financial independence was frightening and soul-crushing,” she said earlier this year.

Now, her focus appears to be shifting toward rebuilding — personally and emotionally. When Mellencamp joked about wishing she had met McPhee first, Jayne quipped, “Listen, it’s a friend. It’s a nice thing.”

Still, fans and tabloids are already dissecting every detail of the budding relationship, especially given McPhee’s enigmatic persona and Jayne’s turbulent past.

Whether it’s a brief spark or something more lasting, one thing is certain: Erika Jayne is reclaiming her narrative, and this time, it’s about connection — not controversy.