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RHOBH's Erika Jayne Weighs in on Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley's Bitter Feud

By Brett M Malec Jan 21, 2025 9:04 PM
| Updated Jan 22, 2025 2:48 PM
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Watch: ‘RHOBH’ Star Erika Jayne Weighs In On Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky’s Split (Exclusive)

How many f--ks does Erika Jayne give about her costars' falling out? A lot, actually.

In fact, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star is revealing where she stands with Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley amid her cast members' feud over Kyle texting Dorit's estranged husband Paul "PK" Kemsley behind her back. And, no, she isn't picking sides.

"I get to sort of mediate between two friends who are going through the worst time in their life," Erika exclusively told E! News of the two, who are both simultaneously navigating their respective ongoing separations. "It's been challenging to stay in between two friends who are really going through it and are not getting along." (Watch E! News tonight, Jan. 21, at 11 p.m. to see more of our sit-down with Erika.)

And while Dorit's split—which she announced this past May—is relatively fresh, Kyle and estranged husband Mauricio Umansky have been broken up for nearly two years and have yet to officially file for divorce.

"I'm not surprised," Erika admitted of Kyle not taking legal action to end her marriage. "I think that this a personal journey. Nobody can say when you should or shouldn't. I would say the same thing to Kyle that I would say to Dorit, which is, 'I don't want either one of you to be blindsided. So just be prepared.'"

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As for the advice Erika—who went through her own breakup from ex Tom Girardi on the Bravo reality show several years ago—would give those going through such difficult experiences in the public eye?

"I think it's baby steps, I really do," the "Pretty Mess" singer shared. "Something like this, whether public or not, is very overwhelming and it just feels just like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. It's possible to recover. You need help. You need a good support system. If you can go to therapy, go to therapy. You'll find out who your real friends are, trust me."

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Plus, Erika added, "If you need to take a pause, take a pause, but don't stay down too long. Get up every day and just take one little step forward and pretty soon those steps will get bigger and bigger."

As for Erika's next chapter after her divorce and past lawsuits tied to her ex, the 53-year-old is focusing on her music career and recently reprised the role of Roxy Hart in Broadway's Chicago.

"It has been an exhale for me," she said of rebounding from the hard times. "I didn't want to walk away from a tough situation, bitter and angry and not thinking that anything good could come in the future. I really wanted to work on myself and make the best life for myself possible moving forward."

And Erika couldn't be happier to be back on stage on the Great White Way.

"I've been performing since I was a kid," she recalled. "It's just something that comes out and I think that I just love it. And when you love something like that, it's a pleasure. Every night. Every night is different because it's live and it's an honor to be able to, number one, have your dreams fulfilled, and then to do Broadway. It's a big deal."

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The Timeline of Kyle Richards and Mauricio Umansky's Separation

Watch E! News tonight, Jan. 21, at 11 p.m. for more exclusive scoop from Erika, including how she prepared to return to the role of Roxy Hart in Broadway's Chicago, playing in NYC through Feb. 9.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on Bravo. And keep reading to learn more about the season 14 drama.

Dorit Kemsley

Dorit Kemsley opens up to the women about her marriage to PK, sharing that their struggles run deeper than she’s admitted to in the past. As they navigate a separation, Dorit faces a rollercoaster of emotions while trying to shield their children from the fallout. Discovering her voice, she’s not afraid to speak up for what she wants out of her relationships. 

Garcelle Beauvais

Garcelle Beauvais is busier than ever building her legacy. On top of executive producing and starring in new projects, she’s guiding her son Jaid through the first steps of his modeling career. Thriving professionally, Garcelle is ready to start the next chapter in her personal life and seeks to mend past rifts in her relationship with her son Oliver

Kyle Richards

Kyle Richards steps into an uncharted phase of life, grappling with the reality of her separation from her husband, Mauricio. With their daughter Alexia also out of the house, Kyle’s once bustling home is no longer what it used to be, leaving her to adjust to her new normal. 

Sutton Stracke

Sutton Stracke is forging her own path while healing old wounds. With a new sustainable capsule collection and fashion show in the works, this Southern socialite is thriving in her professional life. Trying to show her mother that she can stand on her own, Sutton may finally get the approval she has always longed for. 

Bozoma Saint John

Coming off a 20-year run as a marketing executive, newcomer Bozoma Saint John is making big moves in her family life. In the midst of raising her 15-year-old daughter, Lael, and building her relationship with boyfriend Keely, she’s focused on expanding her family. Smart, successful, and self-made, Bozoma is unafraid to speak her mind. While she and Dorit become fast friends, some of the other women quickly question her allegiance.

Jennifer Tilly

No stranger to the glamor of Beverly Hills, Oscar-nominated actress Jennifer Tilly is brought into the fold by close friend Sutton. Always larger than life, she brings a much-needed levity to the friend group.

Erika Jayne

It’s out with the old and in with the new as Erika Jayne sheds her old life by getting rid of the furniture she’s held onto from her marriage. Though her legal issues aren’t completely gone, she can finally breathe and move forward. Just as things are looking up, Erika finds herself playing middleman between friends Kyle and Dorit, forcing her to navigate rocky terrain. 

Kathy Hilton

Resident socialite and 90210 icon Kathy Hilton returns as a grounding presence for the ladies amid all the changes. She’s a source of support for her sister Kyle and becomes a trusted confidant for Dorit. 

(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family)