Bethenny Frankel says she's married after announcing 'Real Housewives' departure
Bethenny Frankel is shocking fans left and right this week. After the entrepreneur announced she was leaving “The Real Housewives of New York,” Frankel threw followers another curveball by casually mentioning she's "actually married." Frankel, who has been dating Paul Bernon, dropped the bomb in a message to her former castmates.
To my NY hwives: GO GET EM! I had to go since I’m the only one that is actually married...that’s how crazy this ride is. You are all amazing, beautiful and strong. Spread your wings and fly! Xoxo @ramonasinger @CountessLuann @TinsleyMortimer @SonjatMorgan @dorindamedley
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) August 23, 2019
Fans were eager to get to the bottom of the cryptic message.
Did you get married? Mention it all!!!! pic.twitter.com/h0kgfiPJUw
— chicka (@PremierImage1) August 23, 2019
Congratulations! In palm beach? On a yacht? Was Missy invited? Did Ramona sit at Dorindas table? Did you have a Caberet singer? We’re there fish on the wall? Was Tinsleys frozen dog invited? Do tell!
— millertime (@milleryvnne) August 23, 2019
— Erika Norton (@ErikaNorton10) August 23, 2019
Married? WOW BETHENNY WOW! Congratulations! 🎉
— SkyGrl 🏳??🌈 (@SkyGrl7) August 23, 2019
Although Frankel has stayed mum on what she meant by "actually married," a source tells Yahoo Entertainment she and Bernon did not secretly wed.
The reality star was likely making a joke about her yet-to-be-finalized divorce from Jason Hoppy. (A rep for Frankel couldn't be reached for comment.) Frankel and Hoppy separated in December 2012 after nearly three years of marriage. She filed for divorce one month later and it still isn't finalized. They reached a financial settlement in 2016 after a contentious few years and are still battling in court over custody details of their 9-year-old daughter, Bryn.
In a statement about her decision to leave RHONY, Frankel said she wanted to explore her "next chapter."
"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," she shared.
In a message to fans on social media, Frankel encouraged her followers to "GO for it. Whatever it is. Reach for your dreams in life and love and make the impossible happen, because it can happen and it WILL happen. Come from a place of yes and it’s yours for the taking."
Frankel has kept her relationship with Bernon, a real estate developer and film producer, mostly out of the spotlight. He was not featured on the Bravo show last season. They have been together for about a year. However, she happily posts photos with him on social media.
Who knows what their future holds, though.
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