Bethenny Frankel Leaving Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives of New York’ Cast

(Photo Credit: Rodin Eckenroth/FilmMagic)

Bella Breakdown

The housewives are saying goodbye to one of their own as Bethenny Frankel announced she would not be returning for a new season. The reality TV star revealed her exit from the New York franchise through a statement to Variety to focus more on her family, philanthropy, and outside projects.

“My experience at Bravo has been an incredibly magical ride. I am so grateful to them for highlighting my entrepreneurialism and allowing me to pave the way for many women to achieve their goals,” she stated. Frankel has been an original cast member of the Bravo series since the first season, so her leaving came as a big shock and disappointment to many fans.

The businesswoman did take a brief hiatus from the show back in 2010, but later returned in 2015. Soon after the news was released Frankel made it a point to release another statement via her Instagram thanking fans. “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.

“You helped me to get here. I would read your letters and messages and grow from your struggles,” she continued. “Thank you so much for your love and support. And stay tuned, you haven’t seen the last of me.”