It appears that the Skinnygirl founder doesn't reveal her departure plan to her Bravo show castmates, making them feel blindsided when the news of her exit ahead of season 11 hit the web on August 21, 2019.
- Apr 9, 2020
AceShowbiz - Bethenny Frankel's surprising exit from "The Real Housewives of New York City" was put as the main focus in premiere episode of season 12. Cast member Luann de Lesseps couldn't believe the news as she exclaimed, "What? This is ridiculous!… I can't even believe this!"
Sharing the same sentiment, Dorinda Medley dubbed the news "ridiculous." It appeared that Bethenny didn't reveal her departure plan to her castmates, making them feel blindsided when Variety broke the news of her exit on August 21, 2019.
"She never said anything about maybe not being back," Tinsley Mortimer said in a phone call with Ramona Singer. Throwing major shades at Bethenny, Ramona responded, "I don't know why we even have to acknowledge it. It's so stupid." She went on saying that they would "be better without [Bethenny] because everyone will be freer in spirit."
Elsewhere in the episode, Luann alluded that Bethenny's absence wasn't something that was entirely unpleasant for her. "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," she said.
Speaking of the Wednesday, April 8 episode, Bethenny revealed to Extra that she perceived that episode as "the proverbial middle finger to me." Despite everything, the 49-year-old kept it classy as she said, "The women have definitely had some unpleasant things to say about me, but I wish them well."
Announcing her exit, Bethenny wrote on Instagram at the time, "It's time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett, producing and starring in shows which represent a shift in the conversation for women. With the changes in modern culture, I want to highlight the strength, confidence and unstoppable power that women have."
