Bethenny Frankel teams up with SAG-AFTRA to investigate ‘treatment and exploitation of reality performers’ – after accusing Bravo of ‘grotesque and depraved assault’ on its stars

Bethenny Frankel has stated that the reality TV reckoning has officially begun, while affirming that SAG-AFRA stands ready to support television personalities in forming unions.

The Real Housewives of New York alum, 52, leads an army of reality stars in the battle for back pay after accusing NBC and Bravo of “covering up sexual assault, condoning revenge porn, exploiting minors and refusing mental health care” in a bomb letter.

The letter, sent to the network last week by current and former talents and showrunners, also made allegations of “grotesque and depraved abuse,” as well as allegations that stars were “mentally, physically and financially victimized.”

In a dramatic update on her fight for better treatment of reality stars, Frankel shared a screenshot of a statement from SAG-AFRA, in which the union stated it was ready to join forces with it to take down studios and production companies.

The statement read: “SAG-AFTRA has entered into discussions with Bryan Freedman of the law firm Freedman + Taitelman, LLP hired by Bethenny Frankel about the treatment of reality performers.

‘SAG-AFTRA is the union representing reality artists. Depending on the structure of the production and the artists involved, we may cover these artists under our Network Code Agreement.

“We stand ready to join Bethenny Frankel, Bryan Freedman and Mark Geragos along with reality performers and our members in the fight and are tired of studios and production companies trying to get around the Union to exploit the talent on which they trust for their Product.’

SAG added that they encourage reality artists and members to get in touch “so that we can work together to protect the reality artists who put an end to the exploitative practices that have developed in this area and to create a new path to cover by the Union’.

Frankel posted on her Instagram on Thursday, captioning the upload, “Use your voice. The reality reckoning has begun…”

SAG-AFRA, the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, has been conducting industrial action since July 14 over the failure to reach an agreement with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP).

The union represents about 160,000 actors in the US and has expressed concern about pay and the use of artificial intelligence.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has also been on strike since May 2.

Last week’s explosive letter addressed to Bravo Media, E! and CNBC, which are jointly controlled by NBCUniversal, claimed that the networks’ widespread reality TV universe was the reason stars’ alleged suffering was “hidden for far too long.”

“Judgment Day has arrived,” it began, accusing network executives of deliberately harming the mental health of cast members by sprinkling them with alcohol and depriving them of food and sleep.

In a statement, NBC said it was “committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace for cast and crew during our reality shows.”

“Initially, we are requiring our third-party production partners to have appropriate workplace policies and training in place,” an NBCUniversal spokesperson said in a statement to Dailymail.com.

“When complaints are brought to our attention, we work with our manufacturing partners to ensure that appropriate timely action is or has been taken, including investigations, medical and/or psychological support, and other corrective actions that may be warranted, such as personnel changes . ‘

Just days after it was shipped, a sexual misconduct scandal erupted on the final season of Bravo’s Below Deck Down Under, resulting in the firing of two crew members from the series.

In the show’s final episode, boatswain Luke Jones was fired after climbing “without permission” into the bed of Margot Sisson, who was fast asleep in her underwear.

Second Stew Laura Bileskalne’s response to the incident also led to her being let go by Captain Jason Chambers after insisting that Luke was not to blame.

The latest development from Frankel and SAG-AFRA comes weeks after she berated executives for exploiting “young, doe-eyed talent” desperate to be on TV.

“So, just because Hollywood and the entertainment industry can exploit this green talent, does that mean they should?” she pressured her followers.

‘Contracts are meant to protect talent. Not a moment.’

Last month, Frankel also claimed she received $7,250 for her first season of the Bravo series, which continues to monetize the footage without paying her a penny.

“Why isn’t reality TV going on strike?” she said. “I was paid $7,250 for my first season of reality TV and people are still watching those episodes.”

She said that reality TV stars “have always been the losers financially” in the show business food chain and are looked down upon by “the actresses and actors.”

Frankel pointed back to the 2007-2008 Writers Guild of America strike, saying that reality shows “provided all the entertainment” in the absence of scripted shows, “and that’s when the gold rush of reality TV really started.”

Despite having significant success in business across multiple endeavors, she expressed feeling shortchanged when it comes to her Bravo days.

“I’ve generated millions and millions of dollars in advertising and online impressions on reality TV myself and have never made a residue,” she said. “So either I’m missing something or we’re getting screwed too.”

She added, “It just occurred to me, everyone is talking about actors and we don’t get paid.”

In a caption alongside her post, Frankel said reality stars should consider forming a union.