Once upon a time, Bethenny Frankel reigned supreme as the sharp-tongued queen of The Real Housewives of New York (RHONY). Her razor-sharp wit, unforgettable one-liners, and iconic confessionals made her the ultimate “it girl” of the Bravo franchise. Fans assumed she’d be at the heart of any RHONY OG group chat, dishing dirt and dropping quips with her former castmates. But according to Dorinda Medley, that’s far from the truth—and the reason why is raising eyebrows.
Bethenny was a cornerstone of RHONY’s early days, starring in the first three seasons before making a dramatic exit. She returned in a blaze of glory for Season 7, only to depart again in 2019. Her larger-than-life personality and unfiltered commentary left an indelible mark on the show. Meanwhile, Dorinda, another RHONY fan favorite, brought her own brand of drama and charm across six seasons before being “paused” in 2020. Both women were integral to the show’s golden era, so it’s only natural to wonder: why isn’t Bethenny part of the OG group chat?
In a candid moment on the How to Fail podcast, Dorinda dropped a bombshell about Bethenny’s absence from the exclusive RHONY OG group chat. “I don’t think she particularly would want to be in the group chat,” Dorinda revealed. “It’s not organic to her anymore, I don’t think.” According to Dorinda, Bethenny has moved on from the Housewives world, leaving the group chat—and perhaps the drama—behind. But is it really that simple, or is there more to the story?
Dorinda’s comments suggest Bethenny’s decision to distance herself from the RHONY circle is deliberate. While Dorinda remains a reality TV powerhouse, Bethenny has carved out a new niche as a TikTok sensation, delivering biting reviews and hot takes on everything from pop culture to everyday life. Case in point: her hilarious rant about the Coldplay kiss cam fiasco, where she quipped, “What’s wrong with a Motel 6? Who could you not run into at a Coldplay concert?” Bethenny’s focus has clearly shifted, and the RHONY group chat may no longer fit her vibe.
While Bethenny’s off slaying on social media, Dorinda’s still in the reality TV game. She recently competed on Season 3 of The Traitors, only to be the first player “murdered” in the Scottish Highlands. Undeterred, she’s back for Season 4, ready to bring her signature flair and fight for a longer run. Dorinda’s knack for delivering must-see TV moments makes her a natural fit for the unfiltered chaos of a group chat with her RHONY sisters.
So, who’s in this elusive RHONY OG group chat? Dorinda’s keeping tight-lipped about the roster, leaving fans to speculate about which iconic Housewives are trading texts. Is it Ramona Singer’s unfiltered rants? Luann de Lesseps’ cabaret quips? Or perhaps Sonja Morgan’s wild anecdotes? One thing’s for sure: if their on-screen antics are any indication, this chat is a treasure trove of unhinged, juicy exchanges that Bravo fans would kill to peek at.
Bethenny’s absence from the group chat is a reminder of how far she’s drifted from her RHONY roots. Once the heart of the show, she’s now forging her own path, leaving fans nostalgic for her quick-witted confessionals and epic showdowns. Dorinda’s revelation only fuels curiosity: Did Bethenny choose to step away, or was she subtly edged out? Either way, her absence from the chat feels like a missing piece of the RHONY puzzle.
As Dorinda continues to shine on The Traitors and Bethenny dominates TikTok, the RHONY OG group chat remains a tantalizing mystery. One can only imagine the drama, shade, and laughter flying through those texts. For now, we’ll just have to dream of a world where Bethenny rejoins the fray—or at least spills some tea of her own.