Last month, reality TV star and entrepreneur Bethenny Frankel announced that she and her husband of three years had decided to divorce. Frankel is the creator of the popular Skinnygirl cocktail and lifestyle brand, but she is probably best known as a former star of the “Real Housewives” franchise and a spin-off reality show about her life and marriage.
Frankel is certainly not the first “Real Housewife” to file for divorce during or after her time as a cast member of the popular reality franchise. To some fans of the show, the splits were long-coming, but many others came as a surprise both to viewers and fellow cast members. Below, we will discuss some of the most news-making and notorious “Real Housewife” divorces.
Countess LuAnn de Lesseps: Many “Real Housewives of New York” fans were shocked when de Lesseps and her husband announced their divorce in 2009. For years prior to their split, however, rumors had abounded about the couple, specifically that they had an open marriage and did not live together.
Camille Grammer: In 2010, the “Beverly Hills” housewife divorced her husband of 16 years, actor Kelsey Grammer. The contentious and costly divorce played out on the show, which made it an especially juicy season for dedicated viewers.
Tamra Barney: After 12 years of marriage and three children, “Orange County” housewife Barney and her husband announced that they were divorcing in 2010. In his divorce filings, Barney’s husband reportedly accused Barney of infidelity and abuse, allegations which she has vehemently denied.
NeNe Leakes: In April 2012, “Atlanta” housewife Leakes and her husband, Gregg, were divorced. However, Gregg reportedly re-proposed during the first few minutes of 2013, and Leakes accepted. It is highly likely that the couple’s second wedding will take place in front of the Bravo cameras.
Source: International Business Times, “Bethenny Frankel Divorce Latest In Rash Of ‘Real Housewives’ Splits,” Justine Ashley, Jan. 7, 2013