Bethenny Frankel to Exit ‘Real Housewives of New York’ – Again

“It’s time to move on and focus on my daughter, my philanthropy and my production partnership with Mark Burnett”

Bethenny Frankel
Rodin Eckenroth/Getty Images

Original “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel is leaving the Bravo reality show once again, she announced in a statement on Wednesday.

Frankel, who was one of the show’s five original cast members, first exited the show after its third season. She rejoined in Season 7 and has been a full-time cast member ever since. Her departure comes ahead of the show’s 12th season.

“I have decided to leave the ‘Housewives’ franchise to explore my next chapter,” Frankel said in a statement. “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.”

The statement continued, “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. I am excited for my future. The best is yet to come.”

Frankel also shared a post on Instagram thanking her followers for their “love and support” throughout her career. Bravo did not immediately return TheWrap’s request for comment.

The cast for the most recent season of “Real Housewives of New York,” which wrapped its run back in July, was made up of Frankel and two other original cast members, Luann de Lesseps and Ramona Singer, as well as Sonja Morgan, Dorinda Medley and Tinsley Mortimer.

Frankel’s exit comes just a few months after her fellow franchise star and original “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member Lisa Vanderpump departed the show after nine seasons amid a feud with her co-stars.

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Variety first reported the news.

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