Two sources reveal that Frankel's exit from the show was a shock to the other RHONY cast members. One source tells Entertainment Tonight that the cast members were not given a heads-up that Frankel was exiting the show and found out about it in the press.
According to the two sources, filming for season 12 got underway on Wednesday, August 21 with one source calling Frankel's exit, "blindsiding." Another source claims that some RHONY cast members, including Ramona Singer, were busy filming the show Wednesday night. So how does Frankel's former co-stars feel about her departure from the show?
"I'm happy for Bethenny and wish her the best but I think it’s strange that me and the other cast members had to read about it in the press instead of hearing it from her directly by text," she told Entertainment Tonight.
Meanwhile, Barbara Kavovit told ET in a statement, "Bethenny played such a huge role on RHONY over the years and I’m sad to see her leave the show. That being said, she excels at all that she does and I’m excited to see what the future holds for her."
Luann de Lesseps and Tinsley Mortimer also released a statement about Frankel's departure.
"It's always sad to see a member of the housewives family go, especially a fellow OG," Luann told ET. "Bethenny and I have had our ups and downs, I choose to remember the ups. I wish her nothing but the best moving forward."
"I'm very sad that Bethenny will no longer be a castmate," Tinsley Mortimer told Entertainment Tonight. "She was a great mentor and friend, and I will miss working with her. I’m very thankful Bravo gave me the opportunity to work with such a legend, and I wish her the very best in the next successful chapter of her life."
After news of her departure broke, Bethenny shared a lengthy message to fans via Instagram.
“I am so grateful to you for sticking with me through everything. You started this journey with me in my tiny apartment in my late 30s, wondering what would happen to me. I was broke, single, had no family and no idea what the future held,” she wrote on Wednesday. “I had big dreams and I never stopped, but I honestly didn’t know if I would ever get here. You helped me to get here. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles.”
Bethenny then urged her followers to “reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen.”
“Thank you so much for your love and support,” she added. “And stay tuned, you haven’t seen the last of me. There are many amazing things to come. I love you all and am so lucky to have you in my life! PS: New York City is still my playground. ♥️xo♥️ B.”
Bravo stars were quick to comment on Bethenny’s emotional post. Scroll through to see their reactions:
“Never can say goodbye. This is just a page in time,” Sonja Morgan wrote alongside a series of throwback photos via Instagram. “I’m happy that all the best is yet to come for my friend B. Best Mom to Bryn, Biggy, Smallz & entrepreneur as she continues to empower others. 💞 #BeStrong.”
“Its always sad to see a member of the housewives family go, especially a fellow OG,” Luann captioned a photo of herself and Bethenny with actress Jennifer Lawrence at Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen via Instagram. “@bethennyfrankel and I have certainly had our ups and downs, I choose to remember the ups. Wishing her nothing but the best in her next chapter 😘”
“Happy for you sad for the group x,” Dorinda wrote.
“😘😘😘,” Tinsley commented.
"You excel at everything — excited to see your next move!" Barbara Kavovit wrote.
As for Andy Cohen, he added a crying emoji face.
RHOBH's Kyle Richards, who's a close friend with Frankel for decades shares a heart emoji.
“Beautifully said ❤️,” Real Housewives of Orange County alum Gretchen Rossi wrote. “Wishing you continued success my friend 🙏🏻”
“❤️❤️❤️,” Real Housewives of Dallas star Stephanie Hollman replied.
“Devastated for us and thrilled for you!!!” Real Housewives of New Jersey star Margaret Josephs wrote. “You are the original #bossbabe @bethennyfrankel there will never be another 💕💕💕💕💋💋💋👧🏼
Fredrik Eklund, who appeared with Frankel in their own Bravo show, he simply wrote, “Wow.”
RHOD's Cary Deuber tweeted: "I'm upset, I loved watching Bethenny, but I know the best is yet to come!! Go girl, make room for something big."
RHOD's D'Andra Simmons wrote: "Wishing you all the best in this next chapter," adding a two pink heart emoji along with "Xo."
Sonja Morgan also wrote; "Love you," adding a two pink emojis.
Actress Leslie Grossmann and Michael Rapaport also wished Frankel the best after announcing her departure.
Shahs of Sunset star Reza Farahan wrote, "YOU ROCK B" while RHOA's NeNe Leakes wrote, "Bitter Sweet," adding an emoji heart.
RHOBH's Camille Grammer wrote, "@Bethenny I don't know you very well but I am a fan and wish you nothing but the best."
Source/Photo Credit: Us Weekly, ET, Instagram, Bravo
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