Is Bethenny Frankel Married? New Details On The Cryptic Tweet That Has Fans Going Wild
She separated from Jason Hoppy in 2012.
Every Bravo fan remembers the minute Real Housewives of New York City became part of reality television history. Over the years, the show has given way to the most iconic moments in television, including Kelly Bensimon being told to “go to sleep!” Ramona Singer going through the divorce process from her husband of 23 years, and the leg toss heard around the world thanks to Aviva Drescher.
Perhaps the most memorable cast member is Bethenny Frankel, who created her own lifestyle brand, Skinnygirl, has written four books, founded a program that helps disaster relief efforts, and has gone through one of the most brutal divorces we’ve seen.
But just days ago, she announced she’s leaving the franchise for the second and final time, thanking her fans for support.
But in a cryptic tweet she posted on August 23, many of us are wondering: is Bethenny Frankel married... again?
The mogul wrote a tweet, tagging her former cast mates on the show, saying, “To my NY hwives: GO GET EM! I had to go since I’m the only one that is actually married... that’s how crazy this ride is. You are all amazing, beautiful and strong. Spread your wings and fly!”
Is she actually married? Well, technically, yes. According to her ex Jason Hoppy’s matrimonial attorney, Robert Wallack, the exes are still legally married: “Jason and Bethenny are still technically married. While Jason has been pushing for years to have the judge sign the divorce judgment, Bethenny’s lawyers have objected. This issue has been addressed in open court on the record. It’s true that no judgment has been issued. It is not true that one side has objected.”
The judge added, “The judgment was never issued because an order of protection was issued by the Criminal Court which impacted the previously agreed to joint custody arrangement, and Frankel subsequently brought an application to modify the agreement.” Apparently, closing arguments will be heard this month.
But though Frankel is still legally married to Hoppy, she’s moved on with her life. She was engaged to Dennis Shields, who died in August 2018 from a suspected drug overdose. Shields was featured on the show, and though his passing was untimely and tragic, Frankel has found love again — this time, with Paul Bernon, a film producer and real estate executive, who she’s been dating since last fall.
Not only has he been by Frankel’s side while going to court over custody of her nine-year-old daughter, Bryn, with Hoppy, but Frankel also credits Bernon with saving her life after suffering a massive allergic reaction in December 2018.
Frankel also set the record straight with her fans, posting a video that said, “I am not newly married. I’m just the only — was the only — legally married housewife on The Real Housewives of New York. ...Believe me, when there's something to tell you, I will tell you.”
And it appears the two are going strong.
She recently made a post on Instagram for Bernon’s birthday, writing, “Happy Birthday, Paul. You are such a brilliant, sweet, beautiful, kind, hilarious person. You have enriched my life immeasurably. You make me laugh to the point of tears. You embrace my life, my spirit, my daughter, my career, my goals, and my choices. The very few people who truly know you are the luckiest people in the world. You have literally and figuratively saved my life. Peanut and I, and @biggysmallz, love you so much and are so lucky to have you in our lives.”
She also appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, calling Bernon “a beautiful human being inside and out.” She also added, “And yes, Bryn knows him and loves him. They’re very, very similar people.”
So, while Frankel is technically married at the moment, she's now happy and in a loving relationship. She’s been through quite a lot in the last year, after all.
Samantha Maffucci is an editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.