While the Bravo network is reportedly set to make the Real Housewives of New York City casting decision this week, two of the show’s stars are now speaking out on a number of topics.
In an interview with E! Online, Alex McCord and Simon van Kempen talk Bethenny Frankel’s Skinnygirl scandal, the latest casting news and Russell Armstrong’s suicide.
When it comes to Bethenny (she is facing class action lawsuits over claims that her Skinnygirl drinkline is not all natural as claimed), Simon comes to her defense… sorta. “For me, there’s truth in advertising,” he told E! News. “If you’re upfront about it, there wouldn’t be scandal. I don’t think she was hiding anything at all, [but] once she sold it off, she lost a little control.”
Alex chimed in adding that Bethenny will get through it, though she is obviously “pretty peeved.”
When asked if they will be returning for another season of the RHONY, the duo echoed previously reported sentiments, which is that Bravo has yet to inform them of their decision. “We honestly don’t know,” Simon said. “You know as much as we do. We find out when everyone else does. It’s up to Bravo.”
Silex also touched on Russell Armstrong’s suicide, praising Bravo for handling it well. “We watched the first episode of Beverly Hills and I met him,” Alex stated. “There’s no great way for them [Bravo] to handle it.” Simon added, “It’s such a private thing. I thought Bravo handled it as well as they could… They either have to cancel the show or face it head on. They faced it head on.”
In other news, it seems to be pouring for Bethenny Frankel as just days after the class action lawsuits were filed against her, RadarOnline uncovered legal documents about the new home she purchased in TriBeCa, New York.
According to Radar, the docs reveal Bethenny, 40, put down $2.7 million on the four-bedroom condo and borrowed $2.3 million from Bank of America — in the form of a 30-year mortgage. The site then went on to question what happened to her reported $120 million payout if she’s taking out a mortgage. Radar also pointed out that Bethenny’s former assistant Molly was the one who signed all the paperwork.
CLICK HERE TO SEE PHOTOS OF BETHENNY’S NEW $4.9 MIL CONDO!
Gossip columnist Rob Shuter then tweeted, “Strange! @Bethenny is in $2.3 million in debt! Got mortgage on her new apt. Where is her $120 million?” This led to outrage from Bethenny fans who defended her on twitter.
Bethenny fan @AtlantaSue2 tweeted: “@NaughtyNiceRob @Bethenny Ridiculous. A mortgage isn’t considered bad debt. It’s an investment. You look foolish tweeting this crap!” In fact, Bethenny herself then replied, “You guys are so smart. People are morons. @AtlantaSue2.”
When all is said and done, it appears taking out the $2.3 million mortgage might have been for tax benefits. Plus even though Bethenny reportedly earned over $100 million for the sale of her drinkline, it’s more than likely most of that amount will come in future payouts and/or when incentives are reached.
Photos credit: WENN
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON SILEX’S COMMENTS AND ON BETHENNY’S MORTGAGE “DRAMA” ?
