Why Bethenny Frankel is Urging Reality TV Stars to Take a Stand: It's Time to Stop Getting Screwed!

Bethenny Frankel Photo Image Press/Shutterstock

Bethenny Frankel believes that reality TV stars should participate in the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, as Hollywood is currently experiencing a period of strike and entertainers are advocating for residuals while struggling to secure promotion for their work. Frankel expressed her confusion as to why reality TV stars have not joined the strike, given the significant financial influx they receive from their shows. In an Instagram video on July 19, Frankel, who received a payment of $7,250 for her first season of reality TV, pointed out that reality TV became popular during the last writers strike when they were responsible for providing entertainment. This led to the emergence of reality TV as a lucrative industry.

The ex-star of Real Housewives of New York City mentioned that she personally has earned "millions and millions of dollars in online advertising and impressions" through her involvement in reality TV. However, she stated that only a small portion of her earnings came from actually appearing on the Bravo franchise.

"I have not received any residuals at all," she asserted. "So, either I am overlooking something or we are also being taken advantage of."

Frankel believes that it's not only the Real Housewives who are being treated unfairly. She argues that shows like The Bachelor, Bachelorette, and Vanderpump Rules are also among the neglected programs that underpay their cast despite having a significant influence on popular culture. She further suggests that Bravo show participants should not continue filming unless they receive residuals for all the episodes they have appeared in or if those episodes are taken down. Additionally, she highlights that even though The Hills, a popular MTV series from the early 2000s, achieved high ratings and continues to be watched today, its stars such as Lauren Conrad and Kristin Cavallari do not receive any monetary compensation for their contributions.

"It's complete nonsense," she contested. "And I'm going to delve into this issue because I just realized that everyone is discussing actors while we are not compensated fairly."

Frankel further elaborated on her perspective in the caption of her Instagram post, stating, "I am fully aware that unscripted talent, commonly referred to as 'reality stars,' should have a union or at the very least be treated equitably and respected. ... The mentality that we were insignificant individuals and that these streaming platforms and networks have provided us with opportunities to exploit is equally foolish."

She further stated, "If a network or streaming platform is profiting from my advice to someone to go to sleep, perhaps I should be rewarded. Maybe I should consider finding a hobby, and this could be it."

Frankel's remarks follow the recent dispute between the Screen Actors Guild – American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) regarding matters such as residuals, equitable compensation, and regulations concerning artificial intelligence usage.

SAG's president, Fran Drescher, announced on July 14 that all members of the labor union were on strike until a fair deal was reached, after failing to draw up an approved new contract by both organizations earlier this month. According to strike guidelines, performers are no longer permitted to participate in or promote any struck work.

Joining the picket lines are SAG and the Writers Guild of America, who have been on strike against the AMPTP since May due to similar issues in contract negotiation. This is the first time in over sixty years that both unions have simultaneously gone on strike.