Bethenny Frankel has never been one to hold back. Whether she’s calling out financial irresponsibility, scrutinizing reality TV power players, or offering unsolicited life advice, the former Real Housewives of New York City star continues to make waves long after her Bravo days.

Frankel’s recent remarks on Teresa Giudice’s finances, Chanel’s customer service, and even Alix Earle’s love life have sparked heated debates. Some call her brutally honest, while others see her as opportunistic — but one thing’s for sure: when Bethenny speaks, people listen.

1. Criticizing Chanel’s Customer Service

@bethennyfrankel Bye felicia #chanel #ratatouille #appointment #chicago #attitude #interloper #lurch ♬ original sound - Bethenny Frankel

Frankel’s love for luxury fashion turned controversial when she publicly criticized Chanel for their “ridiculous” customer service in 2024. After a frustrating incident where she was denied entry to a Chanel boutique, she took to social media to call out the brand. Frankel detailed her experience, describing how she was turned away from the store despite being a loyal customer. Her post quickly gained attention, and she referred to the experience as “elitist” and “discriminatory.”
Frankel’s Chanel rant went viral, with many praising her for calling out the luxury brand’s poor treatment of customers, while others were quick to point out that her criticism might have been fueled by her own high-profile status. Nonetheless, Frankel’s post sparked a broader conversation about the elitism that often pervades the luxury fashion industry, and many people agreed with her that Chanel’s behavior was off-putting. She even went for a revisit, dragging the problem out more than before. 

2. Chicken Salad-Gate: Bethenny Wants Some Credit

@bethennyfrankel This hit wrong #hamptons #roundswamp #bridgehampton #sad #soulcrushing #imdone #chickensalad ♬ original sound - Bethenny Frankel

Bethenny Frankel has never been shy about taking credit where she feels it’s due — and when it comes to Round Swamp Farm’s chicken salad, she believes she put it on the map. Frankel is known for her massive social media presence, and raved about the beloved Hamptons market’s chicken salad on TikTok, bringing them even more attention from food lovers everywhere. But when she returned for another visit, expecting a little VIP treatment, things didn’t go as planned.

“I’m looking for the VIP Farm Stand treatment. I want the back entrance,” Bethenny joked, clearly expecting a warm welcome. After mentioning that she should have brought security, she wondered if the staff would recognize her from the viral video that gave them free publicity.

“I want a big reaction. I’ve moved tens of thousands of dollars in food here,” she said, expecting at least a nod of appreciation.

Instead, she was met with what she described as “Chanel vibes” — a reference to her earlier controversy where she was denied entry into a Chanel store. Frankel ultimately left without making a purchase, feeling unappreciated and deciding she’d take her chicken salad loyalty elsewhere.

“I’m finding a new chicken salad that’s the best,” she declared.

While some found the moment hilarious and relatable, others accused Frankel of expecting too much fanfare over a simple TikTok review. Either way, the situation proves that when Frankel loves something, she goes all in — but she expects that love to be mutual.

3. Criticizing Teresa Giudice’s Financial Decisions

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This month, she couldn't help but call out Teresa Giudice over her ongoing financial struggles with her husband Luis "Louie" Ruelas. Frankel, never one to hold back, wondered how Giudice could find herself in “another marriage with financial legal issues,” referencing the couple's nearly $3 million debt in back taxes. The breakdown? Giudice owes $303,889.20, while Ruelas is on the hook for a staggering $2.6 million. With Giudice’s infamous history of legal trouble — including a conviction for bankruptcy fraud — Frankel was quick to point out how critical financial responsibility is, especially when you've been through the wringer before. Frankel’s comments ignited a public debate about money matters in celebrity marriages, with many agreeing that Giudice's financial decisions are, to say the least, a major red flag.

4. Advising Alix Earle on Marriage and Prenups

@alixearle.hotmess Bethany said not to marry Braxton!? #fyp #alixearle #hotmess #podcast #bethanyfrankel #braxtonberrios ♬ original sound - Alix Earle Clips

Frankel offered unsolicited but blunt advice to TikTok star Alix Earle on her Hot Mess podcast about dating NFL player Braxton Berrios. Frankel advised Earle not to rush into marriage, stating that she should delay tying the knot for at least 10 years and, if she did decide to marry, to secure a thorough prenuptial agreement. Frankel’s words stirred up controversy, with many questioning why she was weighing in on someone else’s relationship. Frankel’s advice was rooted in her own experience with marriage and divorce, and she was quick to share that having financial security and taking time to understand a relationship was paramount. Her direct advice reflected her broader philosophy that women should prioritize their own financial independence and not rush into legal commitments. While many fans appreciated her candidness, others found it intrusive, especially considering Earle never publicly expressed any intention of getting married, and told Earle not to take a relationship with Frankel, who has had controversial relationships in the past.

5. Bethenny Frankel Weighs in on Kim Kardashian’s Custody Battle with Kanye West

@bethennyfrankel Sadly I’m an expert at this #divorce #kanye #northwest #kimkardashian #custody #trademark #decisionmaking ♬ original sound - Bethenny Frankel

Self-proclaimed custody and divorce "expert" Bethenny Frankel served up some unsolicited but blunt advice to Kim Kardashian as the reality star navigates a highly public co-parenting battle with her ex-husband, Kanye West.  Frankel joined the conversation regarding the controversy surrounding Kanye West’s release of a song featuring his daughter, North West, alongside the massively controversial Sean "P. Diddy" Combs. Frankel took to social media to offer her take on the situation. Drawing from her own personal experience of a “horrific” 10-year divorce, Frankel felt compelled to speak out, especially given the alarming nature of the ongoing situation.

In a TikTok video that quickly went viral, Frankel shared her candid advice for Kardashian. She urged Kardashian to remove all direct communication with West, suggesting that cutting ties with him, especially in light of the song release and the ongoing drama, was crucial for both her mental well-being. Having won primary custody and no child support in her own divorce, Frankel felt uniquely qualified to weigh in on Kardashian's situation. She emphasized that no matter the personal history between Kardashian and West, it was critical for Kardashian to prioritize her daughter’s best interests by creating a clear boundary with West, particularly given the complex nature of their co-parenting relationship.

Frankel also addressed West’s recent actions, including his public sharing of Kardashian’s private text messages over the trademark dispute involving North. She labeled these actions as deeply inappropriate and a violation of privacy, further underlining the need for Kardashian to take control of the situation. Frankel expressed concern that these public disputes were only escalating and could have long-term effects on their daughter. Her blunt, no-nonsense advice sparked a wider conversation about co-parenting in the public eye and the difficulties of balancing personal issues with parental responsibilities.

Photo Credit: @bethennyfrankel on Instagram.