Luann de Lesseps Accuses Bethenny of Biting Hand That Fed Her

Credit: Sara Jaye Weiss/ Michael Simon/ lev radin /Shutterstock

Luann de Lesseps is reacting to Bethenny Frankel‘s ongoing claims of exploitation against Bravo.

During a couple of new interviews, the Real Housewives of New York City alum, 58, reacted to Bethenny’s suggestion that Bravo pushes alcohol on their talent and locks them into non-disclosure agreements that prevent them from speaking out while also reacting to claims that Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards, 54, is having a lesbian romance with country singer Morgan Wade, 28.

“Listen, who am I to judge? I don’t know. I was with Kyle on the first [Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip], so I know Kyle and I love Kyle,” she told Daily Mail on October 7.

In recent months, Kyle has been separated from husband Mauricio Umansky, 53, as she continues to spend time with Morgan — even allegedly getting “cozy” with her on a number of occasions. However, when asked about their marriage, Luann admitted she didn’t know a thing.

“I haven’t heard… because I haven’t been out to LA. But nonetheless, that’s their private matter and I hope things work out,” she shared.

After confirming that a romance with a woman is “not [her] thing,” Luann, who is twice divorced, revealed she’s currently single.

“I’m very happy on my own. I’m really busy right now, so I think 2024 is going to be my year to hook up with somebody that is going to be perfect for me,” she explained. “Dating has changed, the landscape of dating with COVID and online dating and all those things. I think people need to be more personable and be together more and just get out and mingle and flirt and not be afraid to go up to somebody and give them a compliment.”

Although Luann would like to find love eventually, she made it clear that she doesn’t need a man.

“You don’t need him to be happy, you’re happy on your own but let’s have fun together. You know, it’s that kind of energy. Everybody has an energy field and you need to put out that energy, you need to manifest… you need to be manifesting, like this is what I want,” she stated, adding that she’s open to getting remarried.

“Never say never! I’m a hopeless romantic!” she confessed.

As for her comments about Bethenny, they were made during an October 8 interview with the Daily Mail.

According to Luann, she “understands” Bethenny’s fight for a “systematic change,” but she has “only had a good experience in my years on the show.”

“I’m sure there’s times where you go, ‘Oh I wish that wasn’t edited like that,’ or whatever, but for me it’s been a positive experience,” she stated. “Now, I know for some people it is not and so I don’t think what she’s doing is wrong, I just think that by suing and all of that, you’re going after the hand that fed you and that made you a star.”

As RHONY fans well know, Bethenny appeared on the first three seasons of the series and later returned for seasons seven through 11.

“I can imagine, like I said, that there are some people that don’t have good experiences now…. It’s never been mine, so I can’t speak to that. But I understand what she’s trying to do, but I’m not I’m not taking any sides. I mean, my livelihood has been with NBC and I’ve only ever had good experiences and continue to,” Luann continued.

And speaking specifically about claims of forced drinking, Luann denied having endured any such thing.

“I have actually had a situation on the show, and I just removed myself I’m like, ‘I’m out.’ I don’t feel comfortable. This is uncomfortable to me. And certainly, and you know, I feel like people have to do what they feel they need to do. And you know, nobody’s ever forced me to drink,” she stated. “For me, on the occasion, I’ve said,’ I’m going home’ or whatever, I just leave early, or I choose not to go so nobody forces you to do anything, it’s really up to you.”

“Nobody forces you to say something or causes you to not say something. A lot of people will always blame it on the editing and etc. But, you know, they can’t edit what you don’t give them,” she added.

Although RHONY was rebooted ahead of season 14, Luann has kept in touch with her former castmates, including Dorinda Medley, 58, Ramona Singer, 66, and Kelly Bensimon, 55.

“I see the girls quite often,” she revealed. “Dorinda and I talk all the time, I was on her radio show this morning, talking about my cabaret show. So yeah, we see each other a lot and you’ll see us all together on [RHONY: Legacy] which I think people are really gonna love.”

The Real Housewives of New York City season 14 airs Sundays at 9/8c on Bravo.