Bethenny Frankel was called out by fellow Bravo alum Kate Chastain over her recent allegations of “exploitation” in reality TV. Meanwhile, the Real Housewives of New York star clapped back at critics pointing out the huge success she’s had through the platform.
Many fans are shading Bethenny’s financial allegations, and they claim she was one of the highest-paid stars on the network. Other fans support her efforts as she purportedly leads a legal war against the network.
On her Twitter, Kate called out Bethenny amid her allegations of exploitation in the industry.
“I can’t wait to watch the Netflix documentary about the exploitation of Skinnygirl,” wrote Kate on August 7, drawing attention to the successful lifestyle brand Bethenny promoted on the show.
I can’t wait to watch the Netflix documentary about the exploitation of Skinnygirl
— Kate Chastain (@Kate_Chastain) August 7, 2023
On TikTok, Bethenny clapped back at her critics, and she shared she’d give an “explanation” for her reality TV “reckoning.”
First, she admitted she’s indeed been “very successful” because of “this medium,” and she claimed she’s been “significantly more successful” since leaving the show.
Bethenny then acknowledged the “hundreds of people” who went through the “machine” and weren’t as “successful” as her.
“I definitely helped the medium be successful too,” she added in a clip shared by @bravosnarkside on Instagram. “…I paved the way.”
Next, the alum addressed the argument that reality stars “sign up for this” and “get what they deserve.”
According to Bethenny, the problem is “systematic,” and it concerns people who have been “abused,” “discarded,” and received “manipulative contracts.”
She claimed it’s also about “exploitation without compensation,” and one “micro aspect” is that her own “content” has been used all around the world without Bethenny getting paid for it.
The star pointed out problems related to “workplace conditions … sexual exploitation” and “race.”
She said reality television is the “wild wild west” because there are “no rules” and “no union.”