FOX411 EXCLUSIVE: Jill vs. Bethenny: ‘Housewives’ feud heats up.
10/09/2009
This season, the “Real Housewives of New York” are battling it out and losing friendships in the process of filming the reality TV show. Close friends Jill Zarin and Bethenny Frankel are no longer speaking to each other and Fox411 spoke exclusively to both ladies on Wednesday and they each took a turn filling us in on the feud between them and their side of the story.
First, we ran into Frankel at the Southstreet Seaport launch of Pepperidge Farm’s Deli flats.
She admitted to FOX411 that there was indeed a rift in her long friendship with Jill, but downplayed just how severely its affected her. “I’m so busy I don’t have time for arguments or girl trouble. I have to work on my relationship and career.”
Frankel was noticeably absent from Jill Zarin’s private dinner party at Saks Fifth Avenue last week and we hear it’s because Zarin didn’t even extend an invitation. And while every other Housewife was in attendance, Frankel said she had a good excuse - “I haven’t been at a lot of events lately. I have been on a book tour and not been in town one weekend. The next morning I had to be up at 6 a.m. to do the morning show.”
Still, despite her newest feud, the entrepreneur with 2 more books coming out next year says she did mend fences with long-time rival Kelly Bensimmon. “Kelly and I are getting along. We were recently at a fashion show and she asked me to come sit next to her. She came to the Skinny Girl Launch this summer. There’s only so far you can go with massive arguments!”
Meanwhile, Frankel has kept tight-lipped about her new spin-off show, originally titled “Skinny in the City” due to a Bravo gag order, but did tell FOX411 that it will follow her life.
“Bravo announced it. We haven’t started shooting. I imagine they are going to shoot the truth which is me and my work and my life and I hope its entertaining - it’s the goal of the show!”
But when we caught up with Zarin, she didn’t hesitate to claim a little credit for Frankel’s success at the Sony Vaio launch party at Guastavinos with husband Bobby Zarin by her side.
“Bethenny told me she got the spin-off show in May and she asked me to keep it a secret, which I did. No one was happier for her than me. I felt like I had been planting a seed and the flower grew. I wasn’t surprised when it came out.”
Still, she did wish her former BFF all the best.
“Don’t get me jealous now! Everyday is a different day. There’s a lot of gossip about Bethenny and me in the press. All I can say is that I hope she gets everything that she wants.”
March 4th, 2010 at 7:20 am
Jill can not believe u and Bethany r not friends. Life is to Short and Bethany is going to be a new mom so she needs u to be auntie Jill. Luv Ya
March 1st, 2010 at 3:24 pm
Jill, I love both you and Bethenny. You girls are the dynamic duo and without you two the show is nothing. Please mend this friendship. I do know that in your heart of hearts you and Bethenny will remain best friends. No matter what anyone says, you two need each other. Make the right choice. Love you much!!!
Ashley
February 26th, 2010 at 1:34 pm
I’m not surprised. Drama, drama, drama… this is a reality show, folks… would you watch the show if they all got along. Even though I don’t believe a bit of it, I always watch… just like watching an episode of “Dallas” or maybe it’s more like watching “Lost”.
February 24th, 2010 at 7:41 pm
Jill I’ve been watching the previews for season 3 and it breaks my heart to think that you and Bethenney are not friends. You are the Lucy and Ethel of Bravo…so funny and my favs. I hope the pre-view drama seems worse than it is.
February 18th, 2010 at 10:34 pm
Get over yourself Jill..seriously. Green is the not the color for you. I agree you do behave like a high school mean girl. And at this point you are looking like a wannabe.
February 8th, 2010 at 10:58 pm
Ego, Ego, Ego….how can grown women let it get in the way of friendship? I have had a best friend for 30 years, and we have never had an argument. I love Jill, but she can have a mouth on her….she should take some lessons on getting along with people from Bobby.
November 8th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
I’m really sad about the spat between Jill and Bethenny. My two very faves. Both hysterical and very witty. Hope you kiss and make up.
October 18th, 2009 at 7:48 pm
Jill, I just heard you said to your designer that you were a 32G. I feel so much better now. I am the same size and it is very difficult to put an outfit together. I am petite and a size 6.
Thanks for listening.
Belle
October 18th, 2009 at 10:46 am
This Philly Girl thinks you guys are just wantabees! if you know what I mean?
Love both shows…..you beat Atlanta by landslides! (in my opinion)
my best, carole siegel philly girl………..living and breathing these days in Naples, Florida…………painting up a storm….go to siegelfinearts.. and take a peak at my work….
October 17th, 2009 at 9:25 pm
I like you Jill…I like you because you are above the pettiness of the moment i.e. Ramonna and her narly husband Mario, who looks like a over tanned Itallian sausage; Bethanny and Kelly’s merry or is it ferry-go-round!! I am not really sure of their sexuality-not that it matters!!
I think you and your hubby are a match made in Heaven; you complement each other-he, your beauty and feness, you, his money and conections.
I like the way you handle yourself with everyone in your circle. You would carry a title, like Countess, even better than the so no more, Countess Delaseeps…so sorry LouAnn!! You are so full of class and networking talent. I really do look up to you and would/will strive to be more like you (even if I do not have your money or connections) I will still try to be a lady with class and the ability to handle myself in every and any situation. Thank you Jill and keep up the good work - A Real True Fan - AK.
October 17th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
The two of you ladies cannot be fighting!! Out of all the housewises I have always seen the aunthenticity and genuine undertones in your friendship…you two were truly friends! Do not let this dwindle away..life is too short and it is not worth it!
October 17th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Oh wow These To Fabulous Ladies They are both Fabulous so They should stop they have been friends too long.I hope they will get toghether and talk it out.
October 16th, 2009 at 10:50 am
It is odd, but definitely a part of our culture, how people are intrigued by the apparent fighting of women.
Both Jill Zarin and Bethenny Frankel have good sense and are inspiring.
I have had the honor of conducting mental health therapy for over thirteen years and I know some things about relationships. What might look like, “battling it out,” may be a healthy dose of limit-setting that we all do in healthy relationships. Relationships are not static, so we may need some time away from a friend in order to enjoy her differently or more appropriately. There is a saying, which states, “My taylor is the only one who treats me right; he measures me every time he sees me.” When you have two dynamic humans in a relationship, you must surely see some changing occurring along the way. As intelligent as each woman is, I think each has figured out the admirable qualities in the other and I truly doubt “no longer speaking to each other” is what is at play here.
October 12th, 2009 at 11:56 pm
Jill say it isn’t so?! I need you and Bethenny to be friends! Can y’all pretty please with apples and cheese make up?!
It’s simple put aside all the hurtful words, spiteful incidents and move forward! When we love hard, we hurt hard, therefore; we must forgive an infinite times harder! Life happens just be friends, they are a hot commodity!
Respectfully,
Arree Clay
October 12th, 2009 at 12:08 pm
Is this true, Jill?