Lisa Vanderpump Sets the Record Straight on Bethenny Frankel's Alleged 'Lies' at BravoCon
Lisa Vanderpump takes a bold stand at BravoCon 2023, exposing Bethenny Frankel's alleged falsehoods and criticizing Lisa Rinna She also showers NBC and Bravo with admiration in an exclusive interview
Lisa Vanderpump and Bethenny Frankel Getty Images (2)
Lisa Vanderpump made her support for Bravo clear as she kicked off BravoCon 2023 ahead of schedule. Prior to the official start of the three-day fan convention in Las Vegas, we had the opportunity to speak with Vanderpump at Flamingo Las Vegas. This is especially significant as she is preparing to launch her third venue, Pinky's by Vanderpump, on The Strip.
Vanderpump expressed gratitude towards NBC and Bravo for their contribution to her successful television career, despite the recent criticism they have faced from former employees. She acknowledged that it is important to also consider the opportunities they have provided. One notable incident involved former New York City Housewife, Bethenny Frankel, who has made a series of accusations against Bravo in recent months. Frankel's podcast featured an interview with former Vanderpump Rules star, Rachel "Raquel" Leviss, where Leviss spoke out for the first time since leaving the show. Leviss alleged that she was exploited by the series due to her affair with Tom Sandoval.
Vanderpump expressed her belief that Leviss should have returned to talk to her directly. She emphasized that it would have been a safe and uninterrupted environment for Leviss to share her thoughts and for Vanderpump to listen. Vanderpump also expressed her desire to witness Leviss' personal growth during her three-month absence. However, Vanderpump expressed dissatisfaction with the lies circulating about Bravo, NBC, and Bethenny's claims regarding Leviss' payment. Vanderpump countered by stating that Leviss received a substantial sum, not an amount equivalent to an intern's salary. Frankel had previously accused Leviss of being paid less than her own interns for the tenth season of Vanderpump Rules in August.
"I believe that individuals who aspire to become esteemed authorities in any field should always verify their information," Vanderpump expressed. "Furthermore, I am disappointed by the decline in standards exhibited by networks such as NBC and Bravo, who have provided these individuals with countless opportunities. While I understand that certain individuals may have valid grievances, I have learned that Rachel or Raquel, for instance, was negotiating for a higher salary at one point. It seems that many of those who are currently complaining, like Lisa Rinna advocating for a boycott of BravoCon or Bethenny expressing her displeasure, had previously pursued their own shows."
Rinna, Vanderpump's former co-star on RHOBH, recently concluded her tenure on the show and promptly voiced her support for Frankel's call for reality TV residuals, which is just one aspect of Frankel's "reality reckoning." Frankel has also criticized the show's producer and host, Andy Cohen, for his line of questioning and promotion of alcohol consumption on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. In a recent article in Vanity Fair, former RHONY star Leah McSweeney revealed that she felt discriminated against due to her struggles with alcoholism.
“I have immense respect for NBC,” Vanderpump expressed. “I have been a regular on Watch What Happens Live for many years, and I am one of the few talents who appear on the show without any pressure. I don't need to subject myself to criticism for that. They always offer me a drink, but I prefer to have it later. In my opinion, if you want to drink, it's your choice. No one is forcing you. So all that negativity and blame casting is just a load of nonsense. Don't betray the people who support you."
As BravoCon continues, fans visiting Las Vegas can enjoy Vanderpump à Paris or Vanderpump Cocktail Garden, and they can also look forward to Pinky's opening in 2024.
For many years, Vanderpump revealed that she went by the nickname "Pinky". This was inspired by her love for the color pink and her desire to be called "Pinky" on the first season of RHOBH. Vanderpump also expressed her admiration for the mesmerizing beauty of flamingos, highlighting their unique and extraordinary characteristics. The iconic Flamingo's hotel served as a source of inspiration, allowing Vanderpump and her team to unleash their creative imagination.
