In a surprising twist, RHOC star Ryan Boyajian was linked to a major gambling scandal involving MLB star Shohei Ohtani. This controversy, revealed in May 2024, alleges Ryan’s connection to a $16 million gambling scheme run by Ohtani’s interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara.
ESPN reports that Mizuhara, with a gambling addiction, misused Ohtani’s funds. Boyajian allegedly assisted him. Mizuhara is said to have moved money from Ohtani’s accounts to pay casino debts. Ryan, as an associate, helped with these transactions. Sources say they funneled money into casino marker accounts in Southern California, aiming to win.
The FBI is investigating. Ryan has chosen to remain silent. His attorney, Steven Katzman, will address the allegations. “Because there is an active investigation and Ryan is working with the authorities, he can’t confirm or deny what is going on. He is not a bookmaker or a sub-bookie,” Katzman explained.
Shohei Ohtani’s Interpreter Admits to Gambling Addiction
Shohei Ohtani, a baseball star, was shocked when his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara, misused his funds. In April 2024, U.S. attorney Martin Estrada held a press conference. He called Ohtani a victim, stating Ohtani was unaware of Mizuhara’s actions.
“Mizuhara used and abused that position of trust … to plunder Mr. Ohtani’s bank account to the tune of over $16 million,” Estrada said. Mizuhara’s gambling troubles began in October 2021. He confessed to wiring money from Ohtani’s accounts to pay off his debts. He later pleaded guilty to bank fraud.
Jennifer Pedranti Stands by Ryan Amid Scandal
RHOC star Jennifer Pedranti is standing by her fiancé Ryan Boyajian, despite his legal troubles. Together, they are navigating the fallout from the scandal, which has now become a topic on the Bravo series. The couple shares a blended family of five children.
In a preview for an upcoming episode, castmate Tamra Judge confronts Ryan about the gambling investigation. She asked, “How’s the FBI going for you?”” Jennifer, unwavering in her support for Ryan, quickly stepped in to defend her fiancé.
Tamra’s history of taking aim at Ryan on the show has added fuel to the fire. In a previous podcast, Ryan defended himself, accusing Tamra and her husband Eddie of hypocrisy. The confrontation continues to play out in RHOC Season 18, with Tamra calling Ryan out for “talking mad s**t” about her and Eddie.
Tamra Judge’s Accusations and Jennifer’s Clapback
Tamra’s feud with Ryan and Jennifer Pedranti escalated when she accused Ryan of being involved in the gambling scandal and of pursuing married women. In a heated argument, Tamra claimed, “Ryan goes after married women,” referencing Jennifer’s past with Ryan.
In response, Jennifer took to Instagram to address Tamra’s allegations, accusing her of stirring up drama for the cameras. “Before cameras went up, she never had ONE problem with Ryan,” Jennifer wrote. She also suggested that Eddie had attempted to stop Tamra from exposing Ryan’s personal life during filming. “Jennifer revealed, ‘Eddie tried to stop her several times.’ She also shaded Tamra’s “crocodile tears” and her podcast trash-talk.”
Jennifer’s defense of Ryan is a clear indication of her commitment to standing by him, even as the legal drama unfolds on-screen and off.
