Credit: Shuuterstock/Michael Mattes
Bethenny Frankel is now being accused of unethically going after the commission on the sale of her friend’s $10 million home, using “bullying” and “scare tactics.”
Celebrity publicist and New York society fixture Jake Spitz – who was allegedly Bethenny’s loyal and long-time friend – made the shocking accusations against the Real Housewives of New York alum.
“We were about to list our apartment, but I did not like our broker. Bethenny recommended her broker; I thought as a friend looking out for a friend to get the best deal. I thanked her, acknowledged she made the introduction, and it was great,” said Jake, speaking to Radar Online. “However, as time went on and we got an offer, I called and said I was so excited we did just as well as she said. Immediately she was counting our money.”
According to the outlet, Jake’s place sold for nearly $10 million, and a commission of 20-25% went to Douglas Elliman.
Jake alleged Bethenny initially just wanted a thank-you gift – a Birkin bag – until she found out how much the apartment sold for, and then put her sights on Douglas’ 20-25% commission.
“When in the Hamptons at her house, I heard her on the phone talking to someone. When she hung up, I said, ‘Who was that?’ she allegedly said, ‘It’s my broker out here. He’s the one my New York broker will give the money to. When I pointed out it was immoral, and illegal was when she launched the attack.”
Some real estate sources denied the allegations to the outlet, claiming Bethenny was offered a referral fee by the broker, but she refused to accept it.
Jake claims he’s been friends with Bethenny since the first season of RHONY, and he was there for her during births, divorces, weddings, and deaths.
He alleged, “Bethenny became unhinged when confronted with the situation using bullying, intimidating and scare tactics. She even sent a cease and desist she wrote herself – which her lawyer immediately backed down from.”
“She then weaponized my past personal struggle with substances and then launched into a text tirade about my family, all false,” said the publicist, who also indicated that he has emails and texts to back up the allegations. “Bethenny isn’t the smartest one in the room, but she certainly is the greediest.”
Jake added, “My ideal outcome would be the money going to charity, and not her bstrong charity. It should go to a substance abuse one.”
