Bethenny Frankel and NeNe Leakes Talk About Falling Out with Andy Cohen: 'I Don't Think He Ever Liked Us'

these reality shows are all one big fake fight wine-throwing name calling fuck fest

Walking Leakes through her train of thought before speaking out, Frankel continued: "So now I’m in this hybrid world where I think, 'We kind of really don’t like each other, but we’re both playing this game.' And yet, when things are happening for me, he’s not really congratulating me. And I feel like he has this sort of resentment because I’m supposed to be beneath him, because we sort of came up at the same time. ... So I’m thinking, 'I don't think he likes me at all. I think we were both playing this game for some time.' And one day I just decided not to be afraid and open my f---ing mouth because the only person I was protecting in that whole realm was him, and he hasn't been protecting me."

"Hello!" Leakes responded, acknowledging her agreement with Frankel. "I kind of feel the same you do. I don’t think he ever liked me."

"We're so used to that environment," the podcast host noted, explaining that the things Housewives say on the show often spark a cycle of endless feuds between stars that play out in the press when the women are asked "questions that are so problematic."

Frankel claimed that Cohen is "always protected from [these kinds of questions], and we’re always f---ing skinned alive with Tabasco sauce all over us, naked. … We’re out there and we get thrown like pieces of meat to just get ripped apart by that vehicle that we kiss the ass to get on. … And we all play the god d--- f---ing game, because we’re using him like he’s using us, because we want to promote our s---. But it all just seems so gross."

Leakes has also had her experience going against Cohen in the public eye, though her battle was less about sweeping changes for industry and more about her own personal issues surrounding her exit from the show in 2020.

In April 2022, the Linnethia Lounge owner filed a lawsuit against Cohen as well as Bravo, NBC Universal, network executives and RHOA's production company, accusing them of violating federal employment and anti-discrimination laws by fostering "a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not, encouraged." That August, she dismissed this action without prejudice.

On Just B with Bethenny Frankel, Leakes doubled down on her claims, noting that she still has an ongoing complaint regarding the matter. She alleged that she has been "severely retaliated against" since speaking out, and has "not been able to work at all in any area of entertainment."

"Listen, I’m a talent, and I am talented," she said. "I am not just a reality star, I’m an entertainer. I sing, dance, act, and do reality, OK? As a Black woman, I have to be able to do everything. At the end of the day, I do cartwheels and flips. They shut my work down. I do everything. So you mean to tell me as talented person, there was nothing for me to host, there was nothing for me to act in, sing in, dance in, jump in clap in — nothing?"

"The doors were closed," Leakes added, noting that Cohen had also written as much in his recent book. "He said the door is closed, and apparently when he says when the door is closed, the door is closed across the industry."

She also used Real Housewives of Orange County star Vicki Gunvalson as an example of the different way she says white and Black Bravo stars are treated, pointing out that Gunvalson was able to return to the airwaves for multiple shows with the network after withdrawing her 2019 lawsuit against the company.

"My feelings are they pretty much said, 'F that Black bitch!' ” said Leakes. "They never respected me, no one, to even give me one call. ... I want fair treatment."

Bravo did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment, but a source close to the situation says that there's "no truth" to the claim that either Cohen or the network have blackballed Leakes from working in the industry.

As for a future of a friendship with Cohen, Leakes wasn't optimistic, saying that she hasn't spoken to him in three years.

"I did call him. He has not taken my phone call," said Leakes, adding he didn't respond either when contacted through their reps. "I’ve tried to find a way for he and I to sit down and talk but he’s never wanted to do that. ... This is just to clear the air, not for anything else — not to be a Housewife, not for anything. Just to understand him and for him to understand me, pretty much."

"I actually feel sad for a person who doesn’t have a forgiving heart. I can be mad at you, but I’m not going to be forever mad at you. I can’t carry that grudge and that hatred in my heart forever," Leakes shared. "He's he’s never wanted to [move on]. And it’s OK. I’m not pushing it. Everybody moves when they’re ready in their time. He’s not ready and that’s okay."

Both women still stood by their crusades — though Frankel, who previously said Cohen "likely despises me," admitted she does consider how he is feeling.

"I feel badly for how I envision his mind is perceiving it," she said. "He’s perceiving it that he represents an institution that has given us opportunities that have been amazing for us, and we do not negate that. But we’ve all worked for that… I feel badly for the way, he must think I have f---ed him over when it’s not about him."

Cohen has not made any public statement about Frankel or Leakes' ongoing claims. PEOPLE has reached out for comment.

Indeed

He’s the next Don Lemon. The Fraus are hungry and circling.

[quote] Bethenny Frankel Slams ‘Always Protected’ Andy Cohen After Being ‘Skinned Alive’

Former Real Housewives of New York City star Bethenny Frankel has not spoken to Andy Cohen since the “reality television reckoning.” But Bethenny did interview Vanderpump Rules alum Rachel Leviss for her podcast. And B has just generally been a thorn in Andy’s side.

Bethenny has no illusions about how the folks at Bravo feel about her. “I can tell you with great certainty that everyone at Bravo likely despises me, including Andy Cohen,” she stated.

So, Bethenny decided to go full-scorched earth and go after Andy directly. She sounded off on her Just B with Bethenny Frankel podcast. And her guest just happened to be Andy’s other least favorite housewife, NeNe Leakes. Then Bethenny gifted us a monologue about Andy.

“He’s always protected. Somehow, he’s asking these questions, like ‘Who is the ugliest housewife?’ A question that bad. Like ‘Who is the worst mother?’ Questions that are so problematic,” Bethenny said.

“All these things that somehow he’s like always protected and we’re always f–king skinned alive with Tabasco sauce all over us– naked,” Bethenny added. Next, she targeted the way that the housewives are dragged by the press.

“Who do you think is the bitchiest housewife or most dramatic? NeNe. Two weeks of press. Bethenny says ‘NeNe is the most dramatic housewife,”’ Bethenny explained. “You, two weeks of press. Say ‘Bethenny’s a bitch.’ Like we’re out there, and we get thrown like pieces of meat, to just get ripped apart by that vehicle that we kissed the ass to get on and get excited that we’re on and we’re there.”

She continued, “And we’re like, ‘OMG! Yay!!’ And we all play the goddamn f–king game. And we get decked out because we’re using him like he’s using us, because we want to promote our sh-t, and get dressed up and get the whatever, but it all just seems so gross,” Bethenny stated.

Poor NeNe couldn’t get a word in during Bethenny’s rant. So, is Bethenny’s new mission in life to destroy Bravo and Andy? It sure seems like it.

Do they ever shut the fuck up?

Yeah well I've never been wild about you either so I can't say that I blame him.

Who is the fucking Bethany Frankel troll? Is that you Bethany, hunty? I know how hard you're hustling with your desperation to become a drugstore makeup influencer and all but this is just silly.

She's unlikable, unattractive and grates on the nerves. She should go away now.

It's Team Andy on this one, kids. Sorry Andy haters, I feel your pain but Bethany is a bridge too far.

R8 is Andy.

Isn’t it time to throw a ziploc bag of Honey Nut Cheerios at Ben?

But Bethenny has a charity!!!

I did think Andy and Bethenny were actual friends due to Bethenny having more $ than Andy.

Andy doesn't respect women. Period. He's made a good living for himself pitting these women against each other.

Bethenny was getting special treatment and now she realizes she was just getting pumped for information (by Andy). Boo hoo.

Who's next on the podcast? Kathy Griffin?

[quote]"I feel badly for how I envision his mind is perceiving it,"

This is "I'm sorry that you feel that way" wrapped up in batshit crazy narcissism.

They are obnoxious, sure - but he's worse.

The number of these women he's exploited over the years, all the while pretending he's some harmless gay (and noted top), hosting these reunions and posting his children all over social media. The fraus fell for it, hook, line and sinker.

Datalounge has had his number for years. We've known.

Glad these women are starting to talk, but I'm not sure it will do much. The other housewives (who are currently employed by Bravo) fear him. And most of the fraus still think he's soooo funny and relatable with his "daddy diaries."

I'm not Andy, I fucking hate children but I do like honey nut Cheerios.

[quote]Period. He's made a good living for himself pitting these women against each other.

So did these women. Remember Bethenny's apartment in the first season? She was the poor one.

It’s all about the advertising-This row backfires and works in Andy’s favor via ratings, attracting new talent that these gals left the room, and shuts even more doors to those that air this dirty laundry….

i predict next three housewives are set up LOVELY with companies like L’Oreal. Because they’re worth it.

And these bitches ain’t.

I don't think he cares that much about what B and Nene have to say.

It became awkward and uncomfortable on Thursday evening’s WWHL when a caller brought up that Andy Cohen once slipped that he and Anderson Cooper had participated in threesomes.

Anderson happened to be a guest and he was obviously embarrassed at the revelation, while Andy turned red and practically squirmed out of his chair.

That was Anderson's last threesome with blabbermouth Andy.

[quote]"Listen, I’m a talent, and I am talented," she said. "I am not just a reality star, I’m an entertainer. I sing, dance, act, and do reality, OK?

Nigger, please.

Bethenny and Nene are cut from the same cloth.

Two cunts who are constantly biting the hand that feeds them.

Bethenny can say "fuck you" now, but back when she was poor, she did EVERYTHING Bravo asked her to, and she was happy to do it.

Bethenny is only enlightened now because the same shit that Andy was doing to the other women, he's now doing to her.

That said, it's hard to feel sorry for any of the RHs. The high percentage of criminals in that group says something about them.

The one from Brooklyn (Alex?) was always my favorite.

Just a quick reminder to Andy (who is no doubt reading this):

We hate you.

Frankel's a grifter and so is Leakes. They had a good grift going for a while and now it's over.

Too bad, so sad for you both. Please proceed to infomercial land where you belong and then on to obscurity where you really belong.

Buh-bye now.

[quote] ‘F That Black B—h, Period’: Nene Leakes Alleges Bravo’s ‘Real Housewives’ Franchise Gives White Women Preferential Treatment

NeNe Leakes sat down for a revealing interview with former “The Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel, and the former “RHOA” star spilled the tea about the Bravo franchise.

Both women have been critical of the reality series recently, with Leakes filing a racial discrimination lawsuit — one she later dropped — against Bravo last year, and Frankel saying the reality stars are being exploited financially because they aren’t paid residuals.

Frankel shared a clip from the interview on Instagram, and Leakes did not mince words while noting that Bravo has a race problem. In the clip, Leakes noted that many of the white women in the franchise have shown problematic behavior but are still working with Bravo.

Leakes also believes that Black women and white women are not being held to the same standards, noting that “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice flipped a table on the show, knocked host Andy Cohen down and spent time in prison, yet she is the star of the New Jersey franchise.

“My treatment is 100 percent different on the show than yours,” Leakes told Frankel. “You had Teresa flipping a table. You had Teresa pushing Andy down. You had girls bustin’ glasses. … My feelings were they pretty much said, ‘F that Black b—h. Period,'” she said as Frankel noted that she was cut off from the show.

“Teresa can go to prison and stay for 10 years, and they’ll wait till she gets back, and the show would start again. OK? But the Black girls do not get that same treatment,” Leakes added.

Leakes added that Lisa Vanderpump walked off the set of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” but still has her reality show “Vanderpump Rules” with Bravo.

Teasing the new interview on social media, Frankel captioned the post, “The NeNe you haven’t seen or heard… the real NeNe… the whole NeNe and nothing but the NeNe. Welcome Ms. Linnethia Leakes! Listen NOW wherever you podcast. #neneleakes #rhony #rhoa #realhousewives #bravo #realityreckoning#podcast#justbwithbethenny#rewivespodcast#iheartradio#useyourvoice.”

Fans reacted to the video in the comment section, and several were excited to listen to the entire podcast.

“S—t’s about to go down,” replied one.

“Omg this I must listen to, love Nene! I stop watching THAT show when she left.”

One fan agreed with Leakes and encouraged Cohen to do better.

“110% AGREE that the Black women are treated differently! @neneleakes is soooo FN RIGHT with everything she just said! PERIOD! @bravoandy do BETTER.”

Leakes also noted that she believes she was considered the favorite cast member of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

I like Bethenny. She’s funny and she’s a hustler.

Bethany's a fucking grifter and an even bigger fucking whiner. Go grift off of teenaged girls who watch housewives bullshit and buy drugstore makeup. Hustler is right and definitely not in any "positive" sense of that word.

Nene Leakes is exactly the same way - grifter and whiner far more than "hustler" from Nene.

Now she's going to play the race card? *yawn*

There’s nothing wrong with drugstore makeup; in fact, some are equal or superior to name brand.

I don't like Bethenny, but how is she a "grifter"?

[quote] Grift: to obtain (money or property) illicitly (as in a confidence game)

You may not like her shoddy products (bottled margaritas), but it's not a grift.

On the other hand, I like Kandi Burruss, but "Bedroom Kandi" (sex toys sales) is apparently a multi-level marketing scheme, which is a grift, IMO.

I think they're all disgusting and the shows are vile. So glad I gave them up years ago.

Her drinks are a grift. Her "talk show" was a grift. Her "charity" is a grift. Her new "drugstore makeup influencer" shtick is a grift. Her "Pro-Union" bullshit is a total fucking grift. What has she ever done for Unions? Nothing. Does she care about Unions supporting other people? No. It's all about Bethany and how she is going to make more money. If campaigning against Unions would make her more money, she'd be out doing that instead. She's not even a real person, she's simply a cash register.

Everything about her is a grift. If you're all hustle hustle hustle and constantly seeking to take money or convince people of your "charitable nature" so that you can take more of their money then you're just a hustler and you're fucking annoying. Nobody really likes those people.

If I paid more attention I'm sure I could come up with a longer list of her grifting activities, I'm sure there are lots more. She's too repellent to watch that closeley.

Fuck Nene because this bitch cried racism when there was known at all. She wa a toxic as fuck and if anything she used to say racial shit to other black women that were lightskin or mixed race. I don’t know about this Bethany bitch but Nene is full of shit. She was entertaining though. She put hands on Kim and then got mad that Bravo gave her own show even though Nene was the most popular one. That’s because Kim refused to film with Nene out of fear of her “safety “” and they couldn’t violate her contract. Obviously wasn’t gonna fire Nene because she was too profitable. They’re all a bunch of cunts but Nene is really the worst.

#TeamAndy

I think Andrew has a bung eye. Anyone else noticed that?