This Is The Real Reason Bethenny Frankel Left RHONY Before Season 12

Source: Bravo

When Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel announced she was quitting the show for a second time, she said that she wanted to explore her next chapter. But, insiders say that Frankel’s “multiple meltdowns” last season weren’t good for her brand, and that’s the real reason behind her shocking exit.

“She’s embarrassed by her behavior,” an insider told In Touch Weekly. “The show brought her fame and success, but she doesn’t need to be on a reality show anymore. She should be on Shark Tank or something like that. Not fighting with catty Housewives.”

However, Frankel’s rep says that’s not true, and the SkinnyGirl mogul is leaving because it’s time for her to move on. Frankel said the same thing in her statement to Variety, explaining that she wanted to focus on her daughter and her philanthropy. The 48-year-old has also partnered with MGM Television and Mark Burnett to produce new non-scripted projects that she hopes will “represent a shift in the conversation for women.”

Frankel called her experience with Bravo a “magical ride,” and she is grateful that the network highlighted her entrepreneurialism and allowed her to pave the way for other women to achieve their goals.

Frankel was part of the original RHONY cast, and she stayed for three seasons before leaving in 2010 when she married Jason Hoppy. The couple starred in the spinoffs Bethenny Getting Married and Bethenny Ever After, but their marriage quickly fell apart and they are still battling it out in court over custody of their daughter, Bryn. Frankel and Hoppy are still technically married, but a judge is expected to finalize the divorce soon.

When you realize Lisa Vanderpump and Bethenny Frankel both skipped Andy Cohen’s baby shower #RHONY#RHOBHpic.twitter.com/5jd1RkUwUR

— Lucy on the Ground (@lucyontheg) August 22, 2019

She ended up returning to RHONY during Season 7 and has brought the drama – and the ratings – ever since. Losing such a big personality just hours after filming for Season 12 began has caused some major drama behind the scenes. Producers are now scrambling to replace Frankel, but a newbie is probably out of the question since production has already started.

Fans are hoping that an RHONY vet like Jill Zarin or Heather Thomson will return, but Bravo hasn’t revealed who they are pursuing to take Frankel’s place.

Season 12 of Real Housewives of New York City will premiere in early 2020 on Bravo.