Bethenny Frankel Seems Surprised Bravo Working With ‘Toxic’ NeNe Leakes

Former “Actual Housewives of New York Metropolis” star Bethenny Frankel insinuated that she was shocked to see Bravo reuniting with “Actual Housewives of Atlanta” alum NeNe Leakes after she sued the community in 2022.

In January 2026, Leakes made headlines when she confirmed that she could be returning to the “Actual Housewives” franchise within the community’s “Final Ladies Journey” spin-off.

In a TikTok video, Frankel congratulated NeNe Leakes on her epic comeback earlier than revealing she as soon as pitched a present with an analogous idea to “UGT” and mentioned that Bravo shot it down as a result of Leakes was too “poisonous.”

Frankel, one of many OG “Actual Housewives of New York” forged members, shared a video saying she was “thrilled” for Leakes, who has been away from the community since 2020. In her video, Frankel defined that folks make choices for a lot of causes, whether or not monetary or for relevance.

With that, the Skinnygirl founder alluded to her shock that Bravo buried the hatchet with Leakes, who, in 2022, accused the community of discrimination in a bombshell lawsuit.

“NBC, Bravo and True foster a company and office tradition during which racially-insensitive and inappropriate habits is tolerated — if not, inspired,” a portion of the lawsuit acknowledged. “Because the Black Lives Matter motion swept our nation, Mrs. Leakes — Bravo’s traditionally most profitable Black feminine expertise — ought to have been embraced by NBC, Bravo, and True.”

In response to Frankel, she has “by no means in historical past heard of somebody [going] after an organization, taking authorized motion for various accusations, after which that firm hiring them again.” Persevering with, Frankel known as it an “fascinating dynamic” earlier than spilling much more tea.

In response to a earlier report from The Blast, Leakes will return to Bravo within the upcoming “Actual Housewives: Final Ladies Journey” spin-off, which is able to rejoice 20 years of the enduring franchise. Whereas Leakes will not be a full-time forged member, the daring TV persona could have a “notable” presence throughout the Atlanta episode of the street journey.

In her TikTok, Frankel revealed that she pitched a present to Bravo years in the past about herself and Leakes touring across the nation in an RV. Frankel claimed that after her conferences with producers, they instructed her that the present would not work as a result of Leakes was “kryptonite” and “poisonous” and that “they may by no means contact it.”

Persevering with, Frankel famous that she would not suppose Bravo stole her concept, stating that street journeys have been filmed and aired for years. Nonetheless, she mentioned Bravo’s newest transfer was an “fascinating” take a look at how dynamics can change. “I believe it is a constructive factor. The bridge was not burned as a result of they’re doing this present with NeNe with the identical idea.”

As she concluded the video, Frankel, as soon as once more, expressed her happiness for Leakes and ended with a seemingly shady message. “You are welcome,” she mentioned. “Time heals all wounds.”

In a video shared online, Leakes confirmed her return to Bravo, describing her comeback as a “actually lengthy, lengthy journey” that she could not consider had come to an finish. “I am joyful, overjoyed to say that I will likely be returning to Bravo,” she mentioned.

The previous Broadway star thanked a bunch of individuals, together with Bravo executives Frances Berwick and Andy Cohen, in addition to Bravo expertise similar to Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks.

“So many individuals which have continued to throw my title within the ring. Thanks to all people over at Bravo. Thanks to all of the individuals over at Actually Unique. Thanks, Shed Media. Thanks to the producers on the bottom who’re calling and texting me, wanting this to be a tremendous factor,” she mentioned.

The Blast reported that quite a few Bravo stars despatched their congratulations and well-wishes to Leakes, together with “Actual Housewives of New Jersey” stars Melissa Gorga and Teresa Giudice. “Welcome again, my love,” Giudice wrote, whereas Gorga added, “There she is!!!!”