I still cannot believe that when Season 12 of Real Housewives of New York debuts on April 2, it will be without Bethenny Frankel. The Skinnygirl mogul announced in August of 2019 that she would not be returning to the show.
Of course, Bethenny’s decision did cause some drama with her RHONY co-stars. Ramona Singer claimed that the cast found out that Bethenny was leaving through the press. Ouch!
Bethenny supported Luann de Lesseps during her legal troubles, battle with alcohol, and two stints in rehab. But last season, Luann’s self-absorbed behavior and focus on her cabaret career caused Bethenny to have a melt-down in Miami.
So, is Luann upset that her former bestie has walked away from RHONY? Let’s put it this way–Luann isn’t wearing Jovani and singing any sad songs about Bethenny’s departure. Page Six reported that Luann shaded Bethenny during an interview on Rob Shuter’s Naughty But Nice podcast.
RELATED: Ramona Singer Says Bethenny Frankel Called Cast “Nonstop” To Get Dirt While They Were Filming Real Housewives Of New York Season 12; Says Bethenny Had FOMO
“I feel like this season, because [Frankel’s] not there, the women have a place to express themselves and show more of their personality. And I think this is the best season yet,” Luann stated. “It’s like, Bethenny who? It’s the best season ever!”
Wow! Tell us how you really feel, Luann! The cabaret star added, “She’s a big personality, she takes up a lot of oxygen … I feel like people can breathe now.”
RELATED: Luann de Lesseps Is Happy Bethenny Frankel Left Real Housewives Of New York So All The Attention Is Not On Bethenny Anymore
This isn’t the first time that Luann has expressed her joy relief that Bethenny is no longer part of the RHONY cast. In December of 2019, Luann told HollywoodLife, “We all get to show ourselves and have more time to talk about our own life and our own stories, and it’s not always about Bethenny [now].”
I always thought that Luann grabbed plenty of screen time with her storyline about cabaret and maintaining her sobriety. Oh, and Luann also revealed on the podcast that she is, once again, enjoying some cocktails.
RELATED: Ramona Singer Says Real Housewives Of New York Is “Better & Stronger” Without Bethenny Frankel; Luann de Lesseps Teases “Such A Great Season”
“I’m no longer on probation. And now I’m in the driver’s seat and I can decide for myself. So I drink on occasion and I’m feeling really good,” Luann shared. It’s all good until someone gets drunk and lands in the bushes, right Luann? Hopefully, she can imbibe safely, and avoid any further legal issues. I have a feeling that Bethenny might not be willing to be Luann’s rock this time around.
RELATED: Luann de Lesseps Throws Shade At Bethenny Frankel; Says Cast Is “Relieved” She Is Gone
TELL US- DID LUANN HAVE ENOUGH SCREEN TIME LAST SEASON? ARE YOU SURPRISED THAT LUANN IS HAPPY THAT BETHENNY LEFT RHONY?
[Photo Credit: Heidi Gutman/Bravo]