"Tom Girardi, Former 'Housewives' Star, Ruled Fit for Trial Despite Health Claims"

Thomas Vincet Girardi, known for his role as the ex-husband on "Real Housewives" and as a once-prominent lawyer, has been declared competent to stand trial for allegedly embezzling over $15 million from clients. Despite his Alzheimer's diagnosis, the decision by Judge Josephine L. Staton allows the 84-year-old to face multiple counts of wire fraud, each carrying a potential 20-year prison sentence. Girardi's legal career, which included high-profile cases like the one depicted in "Erin Brockovich," ended with his disbarment in July 2022.