Say what you will about Bethenny Frankel (and a lot of people have had a lot to say over the years), but there’s no denying that she’s a savvy businesswoman who knows how to get what she wants.
Bethenny only recently returned to Bravo after a lengthy hiatus from all things Housewives, but she’s already throwing her weight around (figuratively speaking, of course) and making major diva demands.
According to a new report from Radar Online, Bethenny has demanded a massive raise from the network. And she’s made it clear that if she doesn’t get it, she plans to walk away:
“Before filming began for the Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny demanded a huge pay increase,” a source tells the website. “She had initially asked for $ 2 million, which would have been double her salary from last season.
“Bravo balked, but both sides agreed to pay her $ 1.5 million, for essentially three months of work.”
So she didn’t get quite what she wanted, but a $ 500,000 raise is nothing to sneeze at.
The insider says that part of the reason for the bold demands is the fact that Frankel is already rich and has a slew upcoming projects to keep her pockets lined.
“Bethenny is ready to take over television, and become the next Ellen DeGeneres,” says the source. “She is a savvy businesswoman and was prepared to walk away from the series once again.”
So yeah, she wasn’t bluffinf when she said she’d walk away.
The best part of all this is that Bethenny’s raise has reportedly made the other cast members “furious,” which should make for some entertaining drama in season 8 of RHONYC.
Watch The Real Housewives of New York City online to relive Bethenny’s most boss moments.