“Real Housewives of New York” star Luann de Lesseps has accused Bethenny Frankel of “stepping into the hand that fed her” over her allegations that Bravo exploited cast members and silenced them through non-disclosure agreements.
Luann, 58, and Bethenny, 52, starred alongside each other on the much-loved reality TV show that aired on the network – but the latter left the franchise in August 2019.
She has since called on the reality stars to unionize, firing numerous letters to Bravo and parent company NBC Universal, accusing them of allegedly mistreating cast members.
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, Luann said she’s “only ever had positive experiences” working on RHONI, but they “understand” Bethenny’s struggle.
Asked if she agreed with calls for ‘systematic change’ in reality television, she replied: ‘Listen, I’ve only had good experiences over the years on the show.
“Real Housewives of New York” star Luann de Lesseps hits back at Bethenny Frankel’s criticism of Bravo and parent company NBC Universal
Luann, pictured with Bethenny in 2015, claimed her former co-star was ‘chasing the hand that fed her’
Bethenny and Luann pictured in 2008, the same year the first season of RHONI aired
‘I’m sure there are times when you go, ‘Oh, I wish it wasn’t arranged like that’, or whatever, but for me it was a positive experience.
“Now I know that for some it’s not like that and I don’t think that’s what she’s doing, I just think that with the lawsuit and all that you’re chasing the hand that fed you and that made you a Star.”
Luann continued, “I can imagine, like I said, there’s some people who don’t have good experiences right now… It’s never been mine, so I can’t talk about that. But I understand what she’s trying to do, but I’m not, I’m not taking sides.
“I mean, my life has been with NBC and I’ve always had nothing but good experiences and I continue to have.”
Earlier this year, Bethenny called for a ‘reality TV showdown’ as she encouraged other reality stars to unionize amid the SAG and VGA strikes, arguing that they should be paid like the rest and no longer exploited by networks and money .
“Reality television exploits affairs, bankruptcy, falling off the wagon, not having quite what you say you have, something inappropriate, risking cancellation every time the camera rolls,” she said at the time.
Luann denied allegations that show bosses forced her to do anything against her will, especially drinking.
The actress, who has spoken publicly about her alcoholism, said: “Listen, you know, I actually had a situation on the show, and I just removed myself and I was like, ‘I’m out.’ I do not feel comfortable. This makes me uncomfortable. And certainly, and you know, I feel that people have to do what they feel they have to do. And you know, nobody ever forced me to drink…
“You know, for me, on that occasion I said “I’m going home” or whatever, I just leave early, or I choose not to go so that no one forces you to do anything, it really depends on you.
“No one is forcing you to say something or not to say something.” Many people will always blame it on editing etc. But, you know, they can’t edit what you don’t give them.’
Earlier this week, Bethenny revealed that she is not taking legal action against Bravo or NBC over the alleged “toxic environment” in reality shows.
The mother-of-one clarified her stance after recently vowing to fully expose the “systemic rot” behind the scenes of the hit programme.
“I have not hired lawyers nor am I suing,” she wrote on Instagram. “I referred to the legal representation of the injured talents and members of the production and I am fighting for systematic changes in the injured institution.” This is not only a reckoning within the industry, but also within me…’
Bethenny began the lengthy statement by reflecting on her time on the popular franchise, claiming that she succeeded by creating ‘conflict and judgement’ with her co-stars who she ‘pretended to know’.
She said she now spent time with the women outside of production, appreciated them and wondered if the “toxic environment designed for viewership” affected their relationships at the start of filming.
The two housewives have had their share of hot moments on the popular reality TV show
Bethenny and Luann are no longer close friends after their time on RHONI
Luann and her co-stars Ramona Singer, Dorinda Medley, Sonja Morgan, Kelly Bensimon and Kristen Taekman reunited for the Ultimate Girls Trip
Luann is spending time with her former co-stars and told DailyMail.com that she will be hanging out with Dorinda, Medley, Ramona Singer and Kelly Bensimon next week.
“I see girls quite often. Dorinda and I talk all the time, I was on her radio show this morning, talking about my cabaret. So yeah, we see each other a lot and you’ll see us all together on the OG RHONI trip which I think people are going to really like,” she added, referring to the upcoming season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip, which airs in December.
One person who won’t be on the trip to ‘Scary Island’ is Bethenny, who hit back at Luann a few months ago after the countess said she’d rather never see Bethenny again.
During an interview with Entertainment Tonight in July, Luann said Bethenny and Carole Radziwill are two RHONI alums she doesn’t need to see again.
“Carole, you know, she ruined our show. Bethenny ruined our show. I don’t even want to give her airtime,” Luann said at the time.
She also took a swing at Bethenny during an episode of Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast and joked that she would make her “walk away” if she joined them in St. Barts on the Ultimate Girls’ Trip.
“We could always use extra grades, but we didn’t have to,” Luana said, adding, “This was a very cohesive group. It was the perfect group for me.’
Bethenny was having none of it though, and when asked by a fan what she had to say about Luanna’s comments that she would never see her again, she replied: ‘I feel pretty likely since (sic) my life is not a cabaret.’
Bethenny and Luann during happier times on Real Housewives of New York City
Luann loves life and is currently on tour with her show The Cabaret Countess
Bethenny recently said she is not taking legal action against Bravo or its parent company NBC over the alleged “toxic environment” in reality shows
Bethenny’s response was in reference to a 2019 screaming match between her and mother-of-two Luann, where she yelled “life ain’t cabaret!” during their discussion.
Luann is currently busy touring with her own show, the Countess of Cabaretand will perform in Washington DC on October 7, before heading to New Orleans, Houston and Chicago in November, before performing in New York the week before Christmas.
However, she did find some time to watch RHONI Season 14, which features an all-new cast including Jenna Lyons, Cy De Silva and Erin Litchie.
When asked if she or any of the original cast members were involved, Luann revealed, “Well, I’m sure some of them were. I caught a few episodes and I think it was well done.
“You know, they’re new and you have to get used to them, so you have to give them time, but I like them.” I have my choice of people, but we won’t get into that!’