Bethenny Frankel Reveals Why She Began Feeling ‘Differently’ About Kyle Richards

Getty Kyle Richards and Bethenny Frankel.

“Real Housewives of New York City” alum Bethenny Frankel opened up about her relationship with “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards. While recording the October 3 episode of her podcast, “ReWives with Bethenny Frankel,” the mother of one noted that she and Richards became friends over 30 years ago. Frankel suggested that their friendship got strained after Richards became an established Bravo star.

“I was good friends with Kyle for years. Yes, we went in. We went out. But I felt differently about her after seeing the machine. Seeing the social media, seeing how different people react to fame, seeing her differently, seeing how she was portrayed on the show, seeing how she handled the fame. That’s not necessarily Kyle. That’s Kyle inside the machine,” stated Frankel.

She also noted that Richards was asked about her during a December 2022 episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen,” hosted by Andy Cohen.

“So I have a different relationship with Kyle now because on ‘Watch What Happens Live,’ Kyle’s asked — by of course, not Andy. Someone else, who doesn’t want Andy to get dirty. They’ll do the dirty work. They’re going to get the clickbait too. She’s asked, ‘Why did you unfollow Bethenny on Instagram.’ It’s a provocative question,” said Frankel.

In the “ReWives with Bethenny Frankel” episode, the former RHONY personality stated she believes Cohen’s talk show “has been very successful at having women demoralize each other.” She clarified she does not blame the show’s guests for their answers.

Bethenny Frankel Made Similar Comments About Lisa Rinna

In the October 3 “ReWives with Bethenny Frankel” episode, Frankel, who left RHONY in 2019, shared similar comments about Richards’ former RHOBH castmate Lisa Rinna. She stated that she and the “American Horror Stories” actress were once friends.

“I respected her. I thought she was so down-to-earth and real. When I stopped liking her, is when I saw what the machine of the ‘Housewives’ did to her,” said the Skinny Girl founder.

While recording the “ReWives with Bethenny Frankel” episode, the “Skinnygirl” founder explained she believes the “Real Housewives” franchises are “an environment designed to pit women against each other.”

Bethenny Frankel Shared Her Thoughts About Kyle Richards’ Separation

Frankel shared her thoughts about Richards and her husband, Mauricio Umansky, after reports began circulating that they had separated in July 2023. In a July 4 TikTok upload, Frankel noted that she was introduced to Umansky when Richards first began dating him in the early 1990s. She also stated that fans should admire their marriage as it is “an accomplishment to be together that long,” especially in “the entertainment industry.” In addition, Frankel shared she took issue with individuals who have decided to “break it down to something scandalous.”

“I’m Team Kyle and Mauricio. Together, apart and happy or whatever they choose to do with their beautiful family,” asserted Frankel.

Mauricio Umansky Discussed The State of His Marriage to Kyle Richards

Umansky spoke about his relationship with Richards during an October 2023 TMZ interview. The “Dancing with the Stars” contestant stated that he and Richards “are currently separated.” He asserted, however, that he and the “Halloween Ends” actress “are not talking about divorce.” The “Buying Beverly Hills” star also suggested they are taking steps to attempt to mend their marriage.

“We’ve had 26 amazing years. We’ve had a really tough year. I think that happens. We’re not ready to throw in the towel yet. We’re trying to deal with it,” said the Agency CEO.

While speaking to TMZ, Umansky addressed rumors that Richards and country singer Morgan Wade are romantically involved. The father of four asserted that the “Halloween” actress and Wade have a platonic relationship.

“There is no doubt in my mind that Kyle has not slept or cheated with Morgan Wade. They are really great friends, filming stuff together, they are doing things together. They are not in a relationship,” stated the father of four.