'RHONY' Alum Jill Zarin Haven't Heard from Producers About Throwback Show But, Don't Count Me Out Yet!!!

BRING 'EM ALL BACK
TMZ.com

'RHONY' alum Jill Zarin isn't fretting that she hasn't gotten a call for the 'RHONY' throwback series ... she says even if she's shut out, she's grateful for everything the network has done for her.

We got the former NY housewife at LAX, Tuesday, and asked how she feels about the new series "RHONY: Throwback" that's in the works ... which will feature some of the OG New York women.

Jill tells us, she hasn't heard from producers but she's not worried because she doesn't think anyone has gotten a call, at least not yet. She thinks Bravo execs are focused on rebooting and recasting for the original 'RHONY.'

5/2/22
STOP THE DISCRIMINATION
TMZ.com

Of course, this is very different in tone from former 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star, NeNe Leakes, who just filed a lawsuit in federal court ... accusing 'RHOA' producers of ignoring her complaints about years of alleged racist remarks directed her way by a fellow cast member Kim Zolciak-Biermann.

She also claims Bravo execs blacklisted her ... making it hard to take legal action sooner and making it hard to find work.

When it comes to NeNe's situation, Jill says she's personally never witnessed this kind of behavior from Bravo ... but she was quick to say she doesn't walk in NeNe's shoes.

Bethenny Frankel Takes Gnarly Fall at Roller Rink

FRANKEL TAKES A FALL
TMZ.com

Bethenny Frankel might've been groovin' out a little too much on the roller rink in New York City ... getting into the music before taking a hard fall.

The philanthropist/entrepreneur was at the Rockefeller Center ice skating rink for the opening of Flipper's Roller Boogie Palace -- where it's transformed into a roller rink. It's all the rage again ... decades after roller skating was a thing.

Bethenny was dancing away while putting on lip gloss ... then falling butt-first on the floor. Luckily, someone was nearby to offer the former 'RHONY' star an assist.

The event was packed with celebs ... Usher hosted the opening, and fellow icons Mary J. Blige, Dr. Dre, Floyd Mayweather, and Meek Mill all laced up.

Bethenny's quite the talented skater, although ice is more her thing ... she was the runner-up on "Skating With The Stars" in 2010 -- making it all the way to the finale with her partner, professional skater Ethan Burgess.

Have a nice trip, Bethenny ... see ya next fall!!!

Julia Fox Not In Talks with 'RHONY' Producers ... At Least Not Yet

Julia Fox has had no conversations with producers for "The Real Housewives of New York City," despite rumors swirling she might join the franchise ... TMZ has learned.

Production sources tell TMZ ... no conversations at all have occurred between Kanye West's former girlfriend of 2 months and 'RHONY' execs, whatsoever. But our sources did not shut down the possibility completely.

We're told producers are deep into casting but no decisions have been made yet. Still, we're told there has been no contact between Julia and producers.

In case you missed it, Bravo honcho Andy Cohen announced last week that the network is completely rebooting and recasting 'RHONY' after 13 seasons. Cohen also revealed the network will cast an additional series -- tentatively called "RHONY: Throwback" -- featuring some of the former New York housewives.

The "Uncut Gems" actress, who split from Ye in February, was raised in New York City and is good friends with 'RHONY' star Leah McSweeney, who also served as Julia's sponsor in AA years ago.

So ... we're not ruling out Julia, just yet!

Luann de Lesseps Good Genes or Good Docs?!

Luann de Lesseps' striking looks have us saying, "money CAN buy you class!"

Here's a 41-year-old version of the countess back in 2006 hanging out backstage at New York Fashion Week (left). This was two years before Luann snatched her 'apple' and became a leading cast member of "The Real Housewives of New York City."

And, 15 years later ... the now 56-year-old ex-countess is still making a splash, she recently posted a shot as she prepares for her next cabaret tour which kicks off next month (right).

To think her iconic mug shot went viral just five years ago ... she has come a long way! "Feelin Jovani?" ... absolutely!

But, the real question here is ...

Luann de Lesseps

Ramona Singer Worried Eboni Will Label Her Racist ... Uneasy About 'RHONY' Reunion

Ramona Singer's apprehensive about the 'Real Housewives of NYC' reunion taping, because she believes Eboni K. Williams is going to try to make her look racist ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to production tell us ... Ramona recently went to 'RHONY' producers to express her concerns about potential racial talks during the reunion -- specifically, that Eboni might attack her and frame her as a bigot.

We're told Ramona attempted to negotiate terms in order to avoid topics such as race during the Bravo special, but producers shot that down and said they'd never agree to that.

Our sources say Ramona accepts that, and has no plans to dodge the reunion -- she just wanted producers to know how she feels.

Of course, there's been a lot of drama surrounding the reunion already ... as it was scheduled to film in early August, but got bumped to September. Fans are speculating it's either due to low ratings or strife among the cast, but we're told it's simply due to "scheduling conflicts."

WATCH YOUR MOUTH
Bravo

We broke the story ... Eboni fired back at those blaming the ratings slide on her race convos, saying it's on producers to decide what makes the final cut.

Eboni also appeared to throw shade toward her fellow housewives Thursday, when she posted a photo of her and Crystal Kung Minkoff -- the first Asian-American housewife on 'RHOBH' -- and wrote, "These deranged bigots are just mad AF that their days of dominance are coming to an end."

She included the hashtag #TimesUpOnWhiteSupremacy too, but didn't call out anyone by name.

Ramona's reps declined to comment, and reps for Eboni haven’t gotten back to us.

'RHONY' Eboni K. Williams Racial Storylines Aren't To Blame For Our Poor Ratings!!!

UPDATE

3:46 PM PT -- Eboni just appeared to send a message to some of her fellow housewives, saying ... "These deranged bigots are just mad AF that their days of dominance are coming to an end."

UPDATE

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

UPDATE

Eboni placed the caption alongside a photo of her and Crystal Kung Minkoff, the first Asian-American housewife on 'RHOBH' ... and she included the hashtag #TimesUpOnWhiteSupremacy.

'Real Housewives of New York City' star Eboni K. Williams says all her talk about racial issues on the show has nothing to do with their poor TV ratings ... she says that's all on producers.

Eboni tells TMZ she shouldn't be the scapegoat for a declining TV audience just because she doesn't make final cut decisions about what ends up airing ... but the producers do.

The way Eboni sees it ... 'RHONY' has tackled tons of sensitive issues over the years -- like mental health, alcoholism, bankruptcy and divorce -- so race shouldn't be any different.

If you didn't know ... 'RHONY' TV ratings are down, and fans have been speculating all season it's because Eboni seems to lay it on thick.

WATCH YOUR MOUTH
Bravo

Sources close to the cast tell us some cast members are also tired of that storyline coming up on every episode. We're told they think 'RHONY' should be light-hearted, fun entertainment ... with a bit of drama, of course -- but Eboni says that's not up to her or her castmates.

There's clearly a rift growing, as Eboni says she feels demonized by some of the 'housewives' and some viewers. She adds ... if some of her castmates didn't show up for shoots with microaggression, there wouldn't be a need for the constant race discussions.

Something's gotta give.

Originally Published -- 12:50 AM PT

'RHONY' Star Bethenny Frankel Flipping Mansion In Connecticut

Bethenny Frankel could soon be doing backflips into a huge stash of cash ... because it looks like she's flipping a mansion in one of America's richest cities.

'The Big Shot with Bethenny' star is listing a 5-bedroom estate in Greenwich, CT for a cool $3,375,000 ... putting the home on the market after scooping it up last year.

The two-story house is 4,698 square feet and the master suite comes with vaulted ceilings, a fireplace, seating area and a private balcony. The master bath features a walk-in shower, freestanding tub and double sinks.

There's another fireplace in the living room, which includes a couple sets of French doors opening up to a stone terrace, which overlooks the large, oval pool in the 2.1-acre yard.

Bethenny's big into real estate, and she's flipping this property apparently for a handsome profit ... she bought it back in 2020 for $2.1 million.

Jeffrey Jackson of Centric Property Group has the listing.

'RHONY' Cast P.O.'d Over Ramona's Reckless COVID Behavior

The 'Real Housewives of New York' are set to resume production next week, but not everyone's happy. Our sources say some of the cast members are pissed at Ramona Singer over her reckless behavior, traveling maskless all over the world.

Production sources tell TMZ ... some cast members are livid after seeing Ramona hitting up St. Barts and parts of Florida while production was on hiatus. Making matters worse ... we're told the cast's fuming over the fact she threw caution to the wind and visited these places without practicing COVID guidelines ... like wearing a face mask.

Production has been shut down for nearly a month after a 'Housewife' and several crew members tested positive for COVID. We're told frustration mounted when Ramona was seen galavanting at tropical spots over the last few weeks ... even after the cast was specifically asked to stay in NY.

For what it's worth ... a source close to Ramona -- who in the past had been dragged over her quarantine behavior -- tells us the network was well aware she had been traveling. Our sources say Ramona will take a COVID test before she resumes filming.

And, speaking of filming ... we're told the cast will film in and around Manhattan early next week and in a couple of weeks head to Ramona's Southhampton, NY pad to film what was originally supposed to be a cast trip to upstate NY.

We reached out to Ramona but she declined to comment through a rep.

Ex-'RHONY' Star Jules Gets $7k Per Month in Support ... Divorce Finalized

Former "Real Housewives of New York" star Jules Wainstein is getting sole legal custody of her 2 kids and just over $7,000 in combined child and spousal support ... now that her divorce is a done deal.

Jules and ex-hubby Michael Wainstein got the judge's final stamp on their divorce back in September and the judgment spells out the details of the split, including the custody arrangement for their 2 kids ... 10-year-old Jagger David and 7-year-old Islo Rio.

According to the docs, obtained by TMZ, Jules will get $4,133.33 in spousal support for the next 2 years. She'll also get $3,000 per month in child support. Even though her ex will have parenting time, Jules gets final say on where the kids go to school, and what religion they'll be raised in, which BTW ... will be Judaism.

Jules -- who relocated to Florida not long ago after leaving 'RHONY' in 2016 -- can't move with the children without David signing off. He's also living the Sunshine State now.

The exes also hammered out a visitation schedule -- including Jules getting the kids for Thanksgiving in even-numbered years and odd-numbered years for the December school break. She also gets the kids on Mother's Day.

As far as assets go ... they'll evenly split Michael's interest in a mobile home community.

As we've previously reported ... Jules and Michael had a divorce was pretty nasty ... especially the custody war. Back in March, Michael accused her of abusing drugs ... just one month after she was busted for domestic battery.

'Real Housewives of NY' Hires Eboni K. Williams ... Cast's First Black Housewife!!!

The "Real Housewives of New York City" is making a little history ... now that producers have hired their first Black cast member in the show's 13-year run.

TMZ's learned the Bravo series hired Eboni K. Williams to join the Big Apple ladies for season 13, which is already in production. The attorney and TV host is ecstatic about her new gig, telling us ... "NYC is filled with successful and dynamic Black women. I’m excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife. Can’t wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before."

She added, "Anyone who’s aware of my work knows I don’t hold back. I’m going to keep it just as real here as I do everywhere else."

The 37-year-old Charlotte native co-hosted "FOX News Specialists" before leaving FNC at the end of 2018. For a short time, Eboni co-hosted a talk show on WABC Radio in NYC and currently co-hosts "State of the Culture" on Diddy's REVOLT TV.

Eboni earned her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law -- and she clerked for Louisiana's Secretary of State and the state's Attorney General. Bottom line ... she can hold her own in an argument, which should come in handy.

As we reported, the show's producers also shot with Bershan Shaw, another potential Black housewife. In the end, they decided Eboni was the better fit as a full-time cast member. We're told it's still possible Bershan will make appearances.

TMZ broke the story ... 'RHONY' wanted to diversify its cast this upcoming season. There was certainly plenty of room to do so with Dorinda Medley and Tinsley Mortimer's departures.

'RHONY' First Black Cast Member On the Job ... Bershan Shaw in the Running

"The Real Housewives of New York City" is fulfilling its pledge to become more diverse by welcoming motivational speaker Bershan Shaw into the fold ... TMZ has learned.

Sources close to production tell TMZ ... 'RHONY' started shooting the upcoming 13th season this week and Bershan has been recording around Manhattan with some of the housewives ... who, as you know, are all white.

Our sources say it's unclear at this point if Bershan will be a full-time housewife, or just a "friend of the show" to start -- but, nonetheless, she's been filming.

TMZ broke the story ... 'RHONY' producers set out to diversify a cast that was nothing but rich, white women in season 12, and producers were actively searching, and in talks with potential new faces for season 13.

Now, it appears producers have landed on Bershan, who will bring a lot more to the table than just being the first Black cast member.

Bershan is a business coach, actress, motivational speaker and, most impressively, a 2-time breast cancer survivor.

'RHONY' Star Leah McSweeney's Contract Holdout ... Dissed by Bravo Offer

Leah McSweeney is the new star who became a fan favorite on Season 12 of "The Real Housewives of New York City," but she might be a one-and-done sensation ... unless Bravo ponies up.

Sources close to the show tell TMZ ... Leah is only being offered a "minuscule" pay raise for the upcoming 13th season of 'RHONY' -- which would be her second -- and she feels disrespected.

We're told the breakout 'Housewife' is holding out for an offer she feels is more deserving, considering what she brought to the table in her debut season ... and she won't return until she gets it. The clock is ticking, though -- the new season's supposed to start shooting in a week or 2.

Our sources say McSweeney made $3k per episode last season, which netted her about $60k, and she feels Bravo is trying to underpay her with a similar offer for Season 13.

Interestingly, the holdout comes on the heels of Leah updating her Instagram bio to show powerhouse talent agency, WME, is now repping her.

For those who don't know ... Leah got on the show through her relationship with Tinsley Mortimer, and fans felt she was a refreshing and exciting addition. Getting naked and throwing tiki torches around the pool at Ramona Singer's Hampton's crib will do that for ya!

We reached out to Bravo and McSweeney's reps … so far, no word back.

'RHONY' We Need Diversity ... Too Many White Women?!?

The "Real Housewives of New York" are going to look a little different this upcoming season ... we've learned producers want to feature more than just rich, white women.

Production sources tell TMZ ... 'RHONY' is looking to diversify the current all-white cast for season 13, and producers are actively searching and in talks with some potential new faces.

There's already a few openings, which in theory makes it easier to make the cast more diverse ... Dorinda Medley announced Monday she's leaving the show, following Tinsley Mortimer out the door.

Our sources say Dorinda was not fired, and her departure was a mutual decision that had been previously discussed before she and Bravo ultimately pulled the trigger.

We're told rumors of Ali Wentworth, wife of George Stephanopoulos, potentially joining 'RHONY' are NOT true ... there's no talks about her coming on board and she's not in the running to join the show.

Fact is ... Ali would not add any diversity to a cast that was nothing but white women in season 12.

Producers are up against the clock here too ... we're told 'RHONY' is slated to start shooting in the Fall.

Bethenny Frankel SoHo Loft Sells ... Listed For $4 Million

Bethenny Frankel's former residence is finally off the market ... someone just scooped up her two-bedroom condo and is ready to live like a real housewife.

The former 'RHONY' star recently slashed the listing price from $5 million to $3,995,000 ... and now it's got a new mystery owner.

The 2,392-square-foot SoHo loft looks amazing ... it's on a cobblestone street in the historic cast-iron district, with a wood-burning fireplace and a small balcony -- the only one of its kind in the building.

The home is decked out with walnut flooring throughout, plus an internal atrium and a sunken living room with 14-foot ceilings and triple-paned arched windows. The master bedroom includes a huge walk-in closet and a marble bathroom with a steam shower and soaking tub.

Floor-to-ceiling glass windows encompass the bedrooms, and the second room comes with built-in speakers to set the vibe. There's also a grand hallway perfect for displaying art, and a powder room. The building includes a common rooftop terrace.

Leonard Steinberg, Herve Senequier, Amy Mendizabal and Calli Sarkesh had the listing.

Luann de Lesseps I'm Back With My Ex ... Dating My Agent Again

I'M A LUCKY GIRL
TMZ.com

Luann de Lesseps is giving things another chance with her ex-boyfriend ... telling us she's officially back together with her talent agent.

We got the 'Real Housewives of New York' star Wednesday at Hunt & Fish Club in New York City ... and Luann told our guy she's once again dating Rich Super.

Luann was actually on her way to meet Rich for a romantic dinner and Broadway show when she told us things are going great the second time around.

You'll recall ... Luann and Rich first started dating back in 2018, when he was in the middle of divorcing his wife. The pair dated for a short while, until Rich dumped her right before her stint in rehab.

Luann tells us she still has a strong connection with Rich ... and not only because he's helping her become a rising cabaret star. Although, it's clear she's really happy with her nationwide tour, so far.

As for what many call a major no-no -- mixing business with pleasure -- Luann's enjoying it. One woman's taboo is another's treasure.

Andy Cohen I'm Pushing Hard for Surrogacy in NY And Maybe Political Office

"ANDY FOR GOVERNOR"
TMZ.com

Andy Cohen just might give politics a shot ... especially if he's successful in his mission to get NY State to legalize paid surrogacy, and we got him taking his campaign to the streets.

The 'Watch What Happens Live' host was leaving the Sirius building Wednesday in NYC when he got amped up about the proposed bill, and delivered a message directly to Gloria Steinem. She's been opposed to the measure, but Andy urged the famous feminist she needs to take a closer look at the language of the bill.

He added ... he has surrogacy to thank for the birth of his son, Benjamin, in February. He had to go through the process in California because it's still illegal in New York.

So now, he's fighting for NY couples to have the same options he had ... without having to travel cross country. When you see the video, Andy definitely has the look and feel of a stumping candidate.

We asked him, point blank, about throwing his hat in a political ring -- watch, he does NOT say no.

We also got a very fitting response from Andy about the rumors Anthony Scaramucci's wife will be joining the cast of "The Real Housewives of New York City."

Old news is old news!
Be First!

Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser!