Credit: Charles Sykes/Bravo
Bethenny Frankel has been met with questions regarding whether or not Raquel Leviss was paid for her recent appearance on her podcast, Just B With Bethenny, where she opened up about “Scandoval” and confirmed she will not be returning to Vanderpump Rules for season 11.
After the two of them engaged in discussions about Raquel, 28, being “emotionally abused” during her time on the show and Andy Cohen, 55, potentially violating HIPAA laws, the Real Housewives of New York City alum, 52, responded to comments on Instagram about the interview and her potential hypocrisy.
“We get it, talk about dragging out this nonsense longer than necessary. You’re not the girls, girl, you think you are lol,” one person wrote in a message on August 20.
But Bethenny was happy to hear that her follower was “engaged.”
“Yay you’re engaged and triggered. Maybe look at your own life,” she advised.
Last week, after the three-part interview was first shared, Bethenny was met with backlash from Instagram users who felt that she was just as guilty of exploiting Raquel as Bravo, who aired footage of the fallout of her affair with Tom Sandoval, 40, earlier this year.
“Why is it not OK for Bravo to exploit her situation but it is OK for you?” one person asked.
“Her voice. Her words. Her choice,” Bethenny explained.
And while it has been reported that Raquel was not paid for the interview on Bethenny’s podcast, Bethenny wouldn’t say either way when confronted about the topic.
“She doesn’t deserve abuse but was she paid, did you acknowledge the abusive things you’ve said to people (well documented, we can start with Luann) and what’s the end game here?” someone wondered on Sunday, giving a nod to Bethenny’s past drama with Luann de Lesseps, 58, on RHONY.
“Yup I’ve acknowledged many times and I don’t blame the cast,” Bethenny replied. “It’s their job. What and if she was paid is something you don’t and will never know just like what happens on reality TV you will never know either.”
Another person asked Bethenny, point blank, “Do you plan on paying Rachel? Seems fair.”
Still, Bethenny remained tight-lipped.
“Watch what happens,” she teased.
Regarding Raquel’s alleged decision to appear on Bethenny’s podcast without payment, an insider told Entertainment Tonight, “Bethenny offered her an unedited long-form platform where she could speak freely. Rachel knew no other outlet would give her that freedom.”
Vanderpump Rules season 11 is expected to start airing on Bravo sometime later this year or in early 2024.