See The SHOCKING Reason Bethenny Frankel Really Left The 'Real Housewives Of New York'

Fans of "Real Housewives of New York City" have known Bethenny Frankel since she first appeared as a co-star on the reality show in 2008. She departed after the third season for her spinoff "Bethenny Getting Married," then returned for Season 7 before leaving permanently in August 2019 ahead of Season 12.

The reality actress told Variety at the time that she was leaving to focus on her kid, her charities and to develop projects that mark a shift in the dialogue for women.

However, she has now provided a new explanation for her departure, in which she points out that money was not a factor contrary to popular opinions.

On "RHONY," Frankel was noted for her outspokenness, dishing out famous words like "Get off my jock!" "Go to bed!" SLEEP!", "Life isn't a Cabaret!" and "Mention it all!" "when she was on the show

As a result, her choice to divulge the circumstances of her departure on TikTok came as no surprise, given that she was likely going to come out to dispel the notion that she "left the Housewives for money."

https://www.tiktok.com/@bethennyfrankel/video/7117021131827203370?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=6990829371108017665

"If I stayed, it would have been because of the money," the reality star countered. "I left because I wanted to leave. I was ready to leave, and I used a technicality deal point as my excuse."

She added, "I had just lost someone very close to me, and I went to work when the show came back," she continued. "I didn't want to. Pros play hurt. I'm a professional. I show up on time, and I deliver. That's my reputation in business."

Frankel had earlier alluded to her departure later during her appearance on Paris Hilton's "This Is Paris" podcast in April 2021, saying, "I left because it became not who I really was anymore, and you can't do something out of fear."

However, despite losing interest in staying on "RHONY" for other seasons, she did express her gratitude to Bravo for the opportunity and shared a few hints about her next steps.

"My experience at Bravo has been an incredibly magical ride; she told Variety at the time of her departure. "I am so grateful to them for highlighting my entrepreneurialism and allowing me to pave the way for many women to achieve their goals. I am excited for my future. The best is yet to come," she concluded.

Since her departure, the reality star has starred in another reality series that features her in a lead role. Dubbed "The Big Shot with Bethenny," the American reality competition follows Frankel as she hunted for a second-in-command for her business empire Skinnygirl and brands.

The streaming series was created by MGM Television, with Mark Burnett acting as an executive producer alongside the reality star. The show included 12 contestants competing for the grand prize, each with a unique set of professional abilities such as digital marketing, project management, and event organizing.

Milokssy Resto was crowned the show's winner after seven episodes. It debuted on HBO Max on April 29, 2021, to mixed reviews from fans and reviewers.

As regards a possible return to "RHONY" for Frankel, Bravo showrunner Andy Cohen announced the company's plans to separate the New York franchise into two stand-alone shows. The first will contain original cast members, while the second will be a reboot with fresh intakes.

Following the announcement, the reality star revealed that she was asked to make a comeback in the series slated to feature legacy cast members. "I got a text from, you know, the powers that be in the Bravosphere saying, 'Is there a chance? Is there a chance? Just asking, is there a chance?' Meaning, would I come back," she opined on her "Just B" podcast.

The TV personality went on to say that the information she was given at the time was vague, prompting her to call it a "half-baked statement." However, Frankel did not confirm if she would return or whether that possibility no longer exists.