Bethenny Frankel Addresses Her Absence from Season 12 of RHONY: "New Beginnings"
The RHONY alum certainly was the talk of the town on the Season 12 premiere.
Last summer, Bethenny Frankel stepped away from The Real Housewives of New York City following Season 11, and her RHONY exit was definitely a topic of discussion during the Season 12 season premiere on April 2.
"This is ridiculous," Luann de Lesseps says in the episode upon reading the news, later in an interview adding, "It's really hard for me to say that I'll miss her all that much. But as they say on Broadway, the show must go on — without you."
Dorinda Medley learned of the news and goes, "You're kidding... Why do I feel like crying a bit?"
Sonja Morgan noted that she feels a little abandoned given she also just sent her daughter off to college: "I mean, this is huge."
Meanwhile Ramona Singer and Tinsley Mortimer chat about the seemingly-abrupt departure, with OG Ramona noting, "To me, that's an F you."
On Friday (April 3), Bethenny addressed her absence from the series on Twitter, telling fans: "Xo. I’m still here for you. I’m just working on things that I’m passionate about now."
Bethenny has been focused on her philanthropic efforts as of late, including relief efforts in the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
She also seemed excited about the new season of RHONY, telling her Twitter followers, "Change is good. Xo," as well as, "New beginnings."
And those new beginnings include getting to know a new 'Wife. Season 12 welcomed Leah McSweeney to the mix, who, like Bethenny, is a brassy, sassy mogul. You can learn more about her in the video, first shared exclusively with Bravo Insider members, below. And make sure you tune into RHONY every Thursday at 9/8c. Preview Season 12, above.
