Credit: Instagram
Bethenny Frankel posted a series of photos from her recent New Year’s trip to St. Barths with her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn Hoppy, and in one, she showcased a scary-looking bacterial infection on her face.
As the 55-year-old Real Housewives of New York City alum also mentioned some “heartbreaking news” she received during the trip, Bethenny confirmed she was forced to leave the island earlier than planned, as fans suspected she may have contracted shingles or face mites.
“Despite leaving early because of some heartbreaking news, dealing with a bacterial infection, and St. Barths being the Hunger Games of holiday socialization, I still found moments that really mattered,” Bethenny wrote in the caption of her January 4 post. “I spent special time with friends and my love, Bryn, and rang in the new year in a way that felt genuinely meaningful, surrounded by good people. This trip reminded me of something I’ve always known but sometimes forget: it’s not about what you’re doing, it’s about who you’re with. And real happiness doesn’t come from the setting, the plans, or the noise, it comes from within.”
In addition to her photo of her face, which appeared swollen and was covered in red bumps, Bethenny was seen with her daughter, whom she shares with ex-husband Jason Hoppy.
Following the sharing of her post, one person wrote, “Oh no! It’s not shingles is it?”
Another suspected, “Looks like Demodex to me ~ (face mites) go see your dermatologist.”
Others laughed about Bethenny’s comment about the “Hunger Games of holiday socialization,” as someone else said they no longer visit St. Barths because it’s filled with “really wealthy” people with “empty” souls.
As for the heartbreaking news Bethenny referred to, that was likely in regard to the passing of makeup artist Jasen Kaplan.
In a post shared to her Instagram Story on January 1, the former RHONY star described him as “fun” and “vibrant” with an infectious, positive energy.
“He was fun, vibrant, and always brought his A game. The world lost a one-of-a-kind gem on New Year’s Eve, which still doesn’t feel real,” Bethenny wrote, in part. “Jasen was magnetic, generous, endlessly supportive, and always sharing his latest finds—food, products, people. He showed up with humor, heart, and a genuine interest in everyone around him. He was the ultimate connector.”
View this post on Instagram
Bethenny Frankel was featured in a full-time role on The Real Housewives of New York City from seasons one through three and seven through 11.