Bravo star Erika Jayne has gone public with her new boyfriend, John “Shrek” McPhee. Earlier this month, the “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” personality was photographed holding hands with McPhee during a casual outing in Los Angeles.
From his military background to a pending divorce, here are five fast facts about Erika’s new beau.
1. He Overcame a Difficult Childhood
During an interview on The Megyn Kelly Show, McPhee revealed that he endured a difficult upbringing on the South Side of Chicago, where he was regularly bullied and beaten on the school bus.
At just 13 years old, McPhee and his older brother left home and ended up living in a brothel, where he said the women were “nicer to me than anyone else I knew.” He later supported himself through welding and truck work before joining the military at nearly 21.
2. He’s a Retired Special Operations Veteran
McPhee, 55, is a retired U.S. Army Special Operations Sergeant Major who served in Iraq and Afghanistan. Known by the nickname “Shrek,” McPhee earned a reputation as one of the military’s most elite operatives and boasts “over 20 years of distinguished service.”
3. He’s Also a Celebrity Bodyguard and Business Owner
According to Reality Tea, McPhee has worked as a celebrity bodyguard, with Heidi Montag listed among his former clients. In addition to offering tactical training, he runs a gear and content brand “SOB Tactical.”
The apparel line features everything from shirts to boot kits, while the gear includes slings, resistance bands, and holsters. The brand appears to be highly profitable, with his ex-wife estimating in court documents that he earns at least $17,000 per month from the business.
4. He’s in the Middle of a Divorce
Much like Erika, McPhee is navigating a divorce of his own. He filed for divorce from his wife, Jennifer Blanton, in February 2025 after ten years of marriage, listing their separation date as September 2023.
Blanton subsequently filed a counterclaim seeking spousal support and a larger share of their marital assets. According to court documents obtained by The Daily Mail, McPhee also receives additional income from the government as a retired military veteran.
5. He’s Been Divorced Multiple Times
McPhee has acknowledged a complicated personal life, revealing on The Megyn Kelly Show in May that he has “been divorced several times.”
He reflected on how his military career impacted his relationships, saying, “I started out married at 9/11. I’ve been divorced several times. It’s a hard life because no one understands your level of commitment. And I say that in a way like you’re choosing something that might cause your death over and over. People don’t see that as rational.”
Bonus: He Might Make His Bravo Debut Soon
With Erika Jayne currently filming Season 15 of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” there’s growing speculation that McPhee may make an appearance when the show returns. Given the timing of their relationship and her openness to dating, viewers may get a closer look at the couple’s dynamic in upcoming episodes.
Production is underway for the new season, and the cast was recently spotted filming with new addition Rachel Zoe in Sedona, Arizona. For those looking to catch up, past seasons of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” are streaming on Peacock.
Comments
5 Fast Facts About Erika Jayne’s Boyfriend