Real Housewives of New York

Bethenny Frankel Wants A Talk Show! Kelly Bensimon Accuses Lindsay Lohan of Being “Addicted to Attention”

by Reality Tea on February 11th, 2011

Despite having a successful spin off show, a best-selling book, and multiple endorsements, it seems Bethenny Frankel is still striving for more.

In a new interview with Popeater, the popular Bravo star reveals her next goal would be to conquer daytime television via her own talk show!

“I would like a daytime talk show because my conversation with my fans right now is through social networking, and my TV show communicates what I’m doing, but it isn’t really a dialogue or a conversation,” she told PopEater. “Most of my business wishes come true.”

Bethenny also discussed the upcoming Bethenny Ever After, set to debut Feb. 28. “It’s about the texture of marriage and bringing together Venus and Mars, which is what my husband and I are. We’re from two different planets. And he’s religious, and I practice yoga. He wants to be around his parents all the time, and I like to be alone and just a lot of crazy things. It’s really probably the only real reality show. It’s a reality sitcom,” she said.

Bethenny adds that her third book, ‘A Place of Yes,’ will be released March 22. It “is about how I got to where I am in my life now, in career and in family and the 10 rules to getting there.”

In other news, Kelly Bensimon, star of the Real Housewives of NYC, is now giving advise to Lindsay Lohan, who recently received a lot of criticism for wearing the above skintight dress to court this week, something many deemed inappropriate.

“Lindsay dressed completely and utterly inappropriately,” Kelly tells HollywoodLife. “You should dress like you are going to a funeral, not a club.”

Oh but it gets better as Kelly accuses Lindsay of being an attention whore. “I think Lindsay is addicted to attention — media attention — and that’s what’s motivating her,” said Kelly adding that when she had to go to court two years ago (to face assault charges against her ex-boyfriend), she “dressed in all black and I slipped into the court house because I didn’t want to be seen.” And the lols simply write themselves.

Above are two photos of Kelly from her court visits in 2009. She donned the black attire for the first visit in March, and the dress on the right for her other visit in June.

TELL US – WOULD YOU WATCH A BETHENNY TALK SHOW? WHEN IT COMES TO COURT WEAR ATTIRE, WHO WORE IT BEST? KELLY OR LINDSAY?

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Kelly Bensimon: Real Housewives Of NYC Is More Real Without Bethenny Frankel!

by Reality Tea on February 10th, 2011

Despite the delay of the Real Housewives of New York City season 4 in favor of the all new Real Housewives of Miami and reports that Bravo postponed the show for being too boring, the NYC Housewives continue to insist the new season will be great!

Case in point, Kelly Kirazy Bensimon, who even goes as far as to state the new season will be better and more authentic due to the absence of Bethenny Frankel. Oh yes she did!

“There was the Bethenny character that flew in and out and made all this drama,” Kelly tells the HollywoodLife. “It’s a totally different season [now] — totally different show.”

Oh, but it gets better. “People think that without Bethenny, ‘Is the show going to be able to last?,’” Kelly says. “It was so unauthentic for the past two seasons. The great thing about this season is that, because the relationships are now three to four years old, the actual situations are organic. They are deep and they hurt.”

So is Kelly happy Bethenny is gone? “I would never say that I’m glad,” answers Kelly. “She was a cast mate on the show and they chose her. Now she’s gone and the show is taking a completely different direction, which is really exciting.”

Kelly goes on to assure fans of the show that this season will not be a let down because there was plenty of drama to go around! “It’s drama that you have — drama that I have with my friends,” she explains. “It’s going to attract so many more viewers because it has depth. It’s not topical drama. I’m making memories [and] there are some very painful moments for me.” Whatever that means.

Bravo announced the 4th season of the RHONY will air in late spring.

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON KELLY’S COMMENTS? DO YOU THINK THE RHONY WILL BE BETTER WITHOUT BETHENNY?

Real Housewives of New York

Jill Zarin Buys Diamonds For Real Housewives of NYC Cast, Responsible For Camille Rumor?

by Reality Tea on February 9th, 2011

According to a new report by the I’mNotObessed website, Jill Zarin is feeling pretty generous lately.

The site reports Jill, star of the Real Housewives of New York, recently gifted herself and each of her follow NYC Housewives castmates a Kwiat leather and diamond bracelets.

And it all has to do with charity. Kwiat, the NYC-based diamond company, partnered with Charity:Water to launch an exclusive water drop collection with 100% of the profits from all sales of the new collection going to help fund Charity:Water’s mission of providing clean drinking water to people in underdeveloped cities and nations around the world.

No word yet on how this story of Jill’s generosity made it’s way to the media. In other NYC news, two days after Andy Cohen denied the widely spread rumor of Camille Grammer joining the Real Housewives of NYC cast, some are now wondering if Jill Zarin is responsible for the rumor.

Reason? Well, the original story came from the NY Post and referenced Jill.

“Insiders said that one option to up the local drama might be to bring Beverly Hills housewife Camille Grammer to New York, the location of her divorce drama with Kelsey Grammer, who is soon to marry girlfriend Kayte Walsh. A source said Grammer hasn’t been approached by New York producers, but that Zarin has invited her to hang out with the Housewives.”

Interesting. And finally, RadarOnline is reporting that Bravo’s decision to postpone the airing of the 4th season of the show is not sitting too well with the cast members. Some of the housewives were forced to cancel their premiere parties, their sponsors, and even had to send notes to all those who were invited.

“All the cast members were upset when they heard the news, but it was especially hard for Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan because they were forced to cancel their premiere parties,” a source close to the situation revealed.

The delay also surprised talk show host Rachel Ray and her producers, who now have to make new plans for a planned show “and decide if they should hold the filmed segment for later broadcast.”

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THESE STORIES? DO YOU THINK JILL IS BEHIND THE CAMILLE RUMOR?

Real Housewives of New York

Reports: Real Housewives of NYC Was Axed For Being Too Boring, Cast Gives Different Reason

by Reality Tea on February 4th, 2011

A day after the shocking news by Bravo, stating they were postponing the Real Housewives of New York City in favor of the Real Housewives of Miami two weeks before its premiere date, many are now wondering what the real reason is.

As we pointed out yesterday, Popeater reported back in December that Bravo higher ups were not happy with the way the 4th season was going after viewing the footage. Things were apparently so bad that Bravo asked Bethenny Frankel to return to the show for many appearances, something she wanted no part of.

Fast forward to today and the NY Post as well as the NYDailyNews are both reporting Bravo pulled the plug on the Feb. 15 premiere because they thought it was too boring.

According to the Post, the producers decided to cancel the original premiere because “it lacked the explosive catfight-filled drama expected of” other Bravo housewives series. In fact, Andy Cohen emailed the entire cast of the show early yesterday informing them of the news.

“We decided yesterday that our best bet was to give ourselves a little breathing room,” Andy wrote. “I would rather get the show right than rush it to air.” Andy also warned the cast not to tweet about it until Bravo made the official announcement.

Sources tell the Post that following good ratings for its drama-filled Beverly Hills counterpart, the producers simply felt the New York show didn’t have enough drama to satisfy viewers. “They wanted the ladies to fight like cats and dogs, but they got along,” said a source. “[But] they are now freaking out that they’ll get fired for being boring and replaced by more fiery women.”

The NYDailyNews also confirms the Post’s story adding the cast was informed of the change just hours before it became public news. Bravo also reportedly received negative feedback following the sneak peeks they aired this week during the RHOBH. The final reason for the change? Bravo “thinks ‘Miami’ is more like ‘Beverly Hills‘” and bets fans of the latter, which just ended its season, will “piggyback” onto “Miami.”

The cast of the show are however giving a different reason for the sudden cancellation. Both Simon van Kempen and Alex McCord tweeted yesterday that Bravo simply needed more time to finish the editing considering they were still filming just a week ago.

In an interview with Star magazine, Sonja Morgan gives the same reason. “I think they feel like they have such good stuff, they don’t want to waste it. They want to make sure it’s done properly. Personally, I’m relieved. It gives me more time to relax, especially considering Ramona [Singer] and I were shooting seven times a week. They’ll have Miami go out first and when they’re done, we’re up.”

Sonja added, “they need some more time to edit. We’ve filmed like crazy, more than ever, and we’re seven ladies so they have a lot of footage to go through.” Safe to assume they “filmed like crazy” because Bravo wasn’t happy with the footage they saw more than halfway through filming.

As for Bravo, Andy released this official statement – “No conspiracy here, folks. We have an embarrassment of riches with Miami and New York, and I assure you that ‘the Real Housewives of NYC’ will be well worth the wait.” The new season is now slated to air in April or May.

TELL US – WHICH STORY DO YOU BELIEVE REGARDING WHY THE SHOW WAS POSTPONED? WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE SNEAK PEEKS?

Real Housewives of New York

UPDATE – Bravo Bumps Real Housewives of New York For Miami Housewives

by Reality Tea on February 3rd, 2011

Could this be the Bethenny Frankel factor?

In an odd and unprecedented move, Bravo has decided to axe the Real Housewives of New York City, at least for the time being. With less than 2 weeks before it’s scheduled Feb. 15 premiere date, Bravo announced today that the 4th season of the RHONYC has been pushed back to late Spring.

The show taking it’s place? The all new Real Housewives of Miami, which will be making its debut on Feb. 22. No reason was given for the sudden move to postpone the RHONYC, which was still being heavily promoted on the network as of Tuesday.

The clues might lie within a December report by Popeater which stated Bravo execs became “increasingly concerned” with the way the 4th season was going based on the footage they saw more than halfway through filming. That same report stated the execs wanted Bethenny Frankel to make more appearances on the show.

Bethenny however had no interest in returning to the show with a source close to her saying the thought made her “physically sick.” Another sign of trouble was the fact that the show was still filming as of 2 weeks ago despite its close premiere date.

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON BRAVO REPLACING RHONYC WITH RHMIA?

UPDATE – A new post will be posted within the next hour with photos & bios of the RHMIA cast!

Below are some tweets made by the New York Cast over this story –

SimonvanKempen – #RHoNY Delay is good as we were still filming up until last week & a 2/15 premiere was a very quick turnaround. Gives us a chance to breathe.

mccordale – #RHONY will start in Spring – find out who the #thuginacocktaildress is when the weather’s warm enough to wear one!

UPDATE #2 - Simon just tweeted that Bethenny will not be making any appearances on the 4th season. Previous reports had stated she would be making guest appearances on the show.

Real Housewives of New York

Bethenny Frankel: ‘I Do Not Miss Housewives’ Plus Countess LuAnn Used To Be A Nurse!

by Reality Tea on February 1st, 2011

With the second season of her Bravo spin-off show set to debut February 28, Bethenny Frankel is in full promotion mode.

In an interview with Redeye, the Bethenny Ever After star reveals she has zero regrets about leaving the Real Housewives of New York City following three seasons.

“I do not not miss being on the ‘Housewives’ at all,” said Bethenny. “It’s more [the] filming. Ten times as hard. Emotionally, nothing could be more difficult than that.”

And in a separate interview with Starpulse, Bethenny was asked if she will be tuning in to the new season of the NYC Housewives. “I will absolutely watch the first episode of RHONYC. I’m definitely curious. Then I’ll decide about what I’ll watch after that,” she answered.

As for the second season of her own show, Bethenny promises it will be “filled with laughter, tears, drama and real reality.” She adds, “This year marriage, motherhood, career, in laws, religion and turning 40. This season is incredible. I gave everything. I’m so proud.”

In other news, UsWeekly is reporting today that Kim Zolciak is not the only nurse on the Bravo network. Apparently, before becoming a world renown Countess, LuAnn de Lesseps had humble beginnings as a nurse!

LuAnn, 45, reveals she worked as a a Licensed Practical Nurse before embarking into a modeling career. “I knew that nurses were always in demand and that I could have a fulfilling career in the health field,” LuAnn said to Forbes. “I think the people skills I acquired as a nurse definitely have helped me be a better entertainer, and I never forget to be grateful for good health.”

The fourth season of the Real Housewives of New York City premieres Feb. 15.

TELL US – ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO BETHENNY EVER AFTER? SURPRISED LUANN WAS A NURSE?

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NYC Housewife Countess LuAnn To Appear Semi-Nude In Law And Order: SVU Role

by Reality Tea on January 28th, 2011

After not conquering the music business, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps is now ready to try her hand at acting!

Yes, according to the NYPost and other media outlets, Lulu, star of the Real Housewives of New York City, has snagged herself an acting role on Law And Order: SVU.

What is the challenging role you ask? Well LuAnn, 45, will be playing “an eccentric art patron who poses semi-nude for a painter.”

The episode, set to air Feb. 23 on NBC, will open up with a crime scene involving her character. The Post adds that LuAnn is the first NYC Housewife to land an acting gig though former housewife Bethenny Frankel has also done some acting in the past.

TELL US – DO YOU THINK LUANN WILL MAKE A GREAT ACTRESS? WILL YOU BE TUNING IN?

Real Housewives of New York

NYC Housewives’ Simon van Kempen Gets His Own Web Spinoff Show

by Reality Tea on January 18th, 2011

It seems Simon van Kempen, who has been described as being a honorary housewife on the Real Housewives of New York City, is finally getting his own spinoff show! Albeit a web show.

According to Popeater, Bravo has given Simon, husband of Alex McCord, his own spinoff webcast which will focus more on his everyday life away from the drama that is ‘Housewives.’ But fret not as Simon will continue to appear on the NYC Housewives.

“I’m delighted to get a mini spinoff from ‘Housewives’ and so glad I didn’t have to get pregnant or married to do so!” Simon tells Popeater referencing Bethenny Frankel. “Seriously, Alex, the boys and I have a lot of fun living in Brooklyn, and these webisodes give viewers a chance to see all four of us away from the drama of ‘Housewives.'”

So what can we expect from Simon’s web show? Simon promises that fans will get to see him “shopping, cooking, accidentally injuring myself and attempting to overcome one of life’s toughest afflictions.”

The new yet to be titled spinoff is slated to air during the new season of the Real Housewives of New York, which debuts February 15 on Bravo.

TELL US – THOUGHTS ON SIMON’S WEB SPINOFF? WILL YOU BE TUNING IN?

Real Housewives of New York