Bethenny Frankel Won’t Return for ‘RHONY’ Reunion to ‘Protect My Peace’

The majority of the original cast of Bravo’s “Real Housewives of New York” plan to reunite at a rival network for a new series called “The Golden Life.”, except for Bethenny Frankel.

Bethenny Frankel starred in seasons 1 through 3 of “Real Housewives of New York” before returning for seasons 7 through 11. Since leaving the show, Frankel has been open about her frustration with the show and has even publicly argued with host and Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen.

Bethenny Frankel not returning to ‘RHONY’ reunion

In a video shared online, Frankel spoke about the upcoming spinoff, “Golden Life,” which is set to air on E!. “I’m so happy for women, and I’m happy for [the network]”, she said, calling the decision “disruptive” and “business”.

As for her participation in the series, Frankel told her followers to count her aside. “So I made a conscious effort to protect my peace,” she said. “I’m really happy, I’m really settled.”

The “Bethenny” host said she was approached to do other shows, but she declined because she wasn’t “interested” in work that would “take away time from protecting my peace.”

Bethenny Frankel Clarifies She Was Asked To Join ‘RHONY’ Reboot

According to a previous report from The Blast, Jill Zarin, Kelly Bensimon, Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan will join forces for an epic new series, years after their departure from “RHONY.”

The new series will be filmed in Florida and the synopsis is fun and dramatic.

“In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends thrive in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a vibrant social scene. With their signature humor and non-stop twists, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family and career milestones,” it reads before sharing that the group would have to deal with the “unresolved drama” of previous years.

In her video, Frankel said she was asked to join the show, but declined because the “specific formula” didn’t suit her best.

Bethenny Frankel wants new ‘RHONY’ reunion to succeed

Although she remains separated from the project, Frankel expressed her enthusiasm and hopes for the success of those involved.

Cohen also spoke about his excitement for the women, admitting that even though they weren’t working with Bravo, he was “so excited for them.”

Speaking on his radio show, according to The Blast, Cohen said the series would be “great” and that he had no hard feelings against them.

Frankel has previously criticized the ‘Real Housewives’ franchise

Since leaving the “Real Housewives” franchise, Frankel has frequently expressed her strong opinions regarding the series. In 2021, she criticized the franchise’s tell-all book, “Not All Diamonds and Rosé,” for “trashing women.”

In a separate interview, Frankel suggested that the franchise’s ratings were declining due to the divisive nature of the series.

“Overall television ratings have never been higher and maybe the ratings for ‘Real Housewives’ aren’t doing well because maybe it’s not the content that’s inspiring people to do what they need to do now,” she said. “Or maybe they want to watch the news or something uplifting or a way to pay it forward.”

Frankel and Cohen launched into previous comments

In 2022, Frankel launched her podcast “ReWives” and announced that she would revisit previous seasons of “RHONY.”

When Frankel texted Cohen about the series during its launch, the mother of one said Cohen responded, allegedly saying he was “glad to see you kissing the housewives.”

His comments seemed at odds with what he said about Frankel on an episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” where he noted that she criticized the show as “toxic.”

Frankel responded to Cohen, saying she was allowed to have strong feelings about the show and was also grateful for the opportunities it gave her.

“I’m glad I’m not here [but] I also have the right to talk about it because I have done it for a quarter of my life,” she said.