Bethenny Frankel Not Returning For ‘RHONY’ Reunion To ‘Protect My Peace’

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

Bethenny Frankel starred in “Real Housewives of New York” seasons 1 through 3 before returning for seasons 7 through 11. Since departing the series, Frankel has been open about her frustration with the show and even got into a public argument with host and Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen.

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

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

The “Bethenny” host said she’s been approached about doing other shows, but she’s declined because she’s not “interested” in taking on work that would “take time away from protecting my peace.”

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 the “RHONY.”

The new series will be filmed in Florida, and the synopsis teased fun and drama.

“In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene. With their signature humor and non-stop hijinks, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family, and career milestones,” it read before sharing the group would have to face “unresolved drama” from years prior.

In her video, Frankel said she was asked to join the series but declined because the “specific formula” doesn’t work best for her.

While she remains separate from the project, Frankel conveyed her excitement and hopes for the success of those involved.

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

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

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

In a separate interview, Frankel implied that the franchise’s ratings were slipping because of the show’s confrontational nature.

“The ratings overall in television have never been higher and perhaps the ratings on ‘Real Housewives’ aren’t doing well because it’s sort of not maybe the content that is inspiring people to do what they need to do right now,” she said. “Or maybe they want to watch the news or something uplifting or some way to pay it forward.”

In 2022, Frankel debuted her “ReWives” podcast and announced she’d be revisiting prior seasons of “RHONY.”

When Frankel texted Cohen about the series when it launched, the mother of one said Cohen replied, allegedly saying he was “glad to see you embracing the Housewives.”

His comments seemed at odds with what he said about Frankel on an episode of “Watch What Happens Live,” where he noted her history of criticizing the series as “toxic.”

Frankel clapped back at Cohen, saying she’s allowed to have strong feelings about the series and also be thankful for the opportunities it afforded her.

“I’m glad that I’m not there [but] I also do get the right to talk about because I did it for a quarter of my life,” she said.