The "Pretty Mess" has found a protector. Reality TV icon Erika Jayne is officially off the market, dating John "Shrek" McPhee, a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major with a resume as lethal as her lyrics.

It is a romance that reads like a Hollywood script: the high-maintenance Beverly Hills housewife and the gritty combat veteran. Confirmed in July 2025, the relationship marks Erika’s first serious public romance since her messy, high-profile divorce from disgraced lawyer Tom Girardi. At 54, both bring a lifetime of baggage and battle scars to the table, creating a fascinating dynamic of power and vulnerability.

Who is "The Sheriff of Baghdad"?

John McPhee is not your typical reality TV accessory. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Army, spending the majority of his career in the elite Delta Force. His nickname, "The Sheriff of Baghdad," was earned in the dust and chaos of Iraq, not on a soundstage.

• Tactical Expert: Post-retirement, he founded SOB Tactical, a company that trains civilians and law enforcement in survival and combat shooting.
• The Meeting: The pair met in London—a chance encounter that led to dinner, then a manicure date, and finally, paparazzi photos that forced Erika’s hand to go public.
• The Contrast: Erika, known for her latex outfits and icy demeanor, describes McPhee simply as a "nice man" who makes her feel safe. It is a pivot from the transactional nature of her previous marriage to a connection grounded in mutual strength.

A New Chapter or a Rebound?

Critics question whether a man who spent his life in the shadows of special operations can survive the glare of the Real Housewives cameras. McPhee has already made cameos on Season 15, appearing stoic amidst the manufactured drama. Yet, insiders suggest he is exactly what Erika needs: someone unimpressed by fame and capable of handling high-pressure situations.

"He’s seen real war," a source close to the production noted. "A dinner party argument about crystal stemware isn’t going to rattle him." [...](asc_slot://start-slot-3)For Erika Jayne, this relationship seems to be less about status and more about sanctuary. In the volatile world of reality TV, dating a man who knows how to clear a room might just be the smartest move she has ever made.