Sophia Michaels
This article discusses serious allegations of harassment and issues related to substance misuse.
Tiger Woods and Erica Herman’s romance began in 2017, bringing momentary relief to Woods following his turbulent divorce from Elin Nordegren. Herman played a crucial role in Woods’ recovery after a serious car accident that nearly took his leg. Her support was integral to his resurgence in golf. However, their personal happiness was short-lived after his return to the sport.
Herman climbed the ranks to manage Woods’ restaurant, which is how they connected. Unfortunately, this period also marked the onset of her misfortunes, with several difficult events unfolding in her life. Here are some poignant details about her struggles.
Erica Herman Faced a Wrongful Death Case
While in a relationship with Woods, Erica Herman worked as the operations director for The Woods Jupiter, his restaurant. In 2019, both were named in a wrongful death lawsuit filed by the family of Nicholas Immesberger, a bartender there who struggled with alcohol issues. Herman’s decision to hire Immesberger for this position drew scrutiny and placed her in potential legal trouble.
As reported by Golf Digest, just days before Immesberger’s fatal car accident, both Herman and Woods were seen drinking with him. The lawsuit claimed that they recklessly served alcohol to someone known to have a substance abuse problem. Initially, Woods was removed from the suit, leaving Herman vulnerable to the allegations. Ultimately, she was also dismissed from the case, with her lawyer stating that neither should have been involved.
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, resources are available at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or through SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
Erica Herman Ended Things with Tiger Woods Under Difficult Circumstances
The relationship between Woods and Herman ended bitterly after over five years together. Reports from the New York Post suggest that Woods encouraged Herman to take a trip away from their shared home. Upon her return, Herman discovered Woods had changed the locks, preventing her from re-entering. This initiated a $30 million lawsuit against him, claiming breaches of an oral lease and mishandling her personal property, according to Golf Digest.
It is widely speculated that Woods requires his partners to sign nondisclosure agreements. Herman attempted to escape the NDA she signed during their relationship by invoking the Speak Out Act, which restricts NDA enforcement in cases of sexual harassment. Her legal counsel argued that a superior imposing different job conditions due to a romantic relationship constitutes sexual harassment. However, the court dismissed her initial request, and she ultimately withdrew both lawsuits, declaring that she never faced sexual harassment.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, support is accessible at the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network website or by calling RAINN’s National Helpline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
