Luann vs. Bethenny: RHONY Cast ‘Fear’ Claim
- Luann de lesseps is revisiting the infamous "Scary Island" trip from The real Housewives of New York City, more than 15 years after it aired.
- De Lesseps told Bustle that frankel "had it in for" Bensimon, adding that most women can't handle Frankel's intensity.
- De Lesseps said she told Bensimon to take a deep breath and not let the others get to her.
Luann de Lesseps Reflects on bethenny and Kelly’s “Scary Island” Drama
Luann de lesseps is revisiting the infamous “Scary Island” trip from The real Housewives of New York City, more than 15 years after it aired. de Lesseps, 60, recalls Bethenny Frankel’s intense approach and how it affected Kelly Bensimon, 57, during the season three trip to St. John. Sonja Morgan, 61, admitted she was so unnerved she sought refuge in Ramona Singer’s room.
De Lesseps told Bustle that frankel “had it in for” Bensimon, adding that most women can’t handle Frankel’s intensity. while De Lesseps wasn’t present for the height of the conflict, she received real-time updates via text messages as Frankel called out Bensimon’s behavior.
De Lesseps said she told Bensimon to take a deep breath and not let the others get to her. She added that Bensimon didn’t want to go on the trip without her or Jill Zarin,who she considered her “backers.” De Lesseps believes that if she had been there, the “Scary Island” drama wouldn’t have unfolded as it did.
Upset by the situation, De Lesseps says she later tried to help Bensimon, even suggesting to Andy Cohen, 57, that she be cast on The Real Housewives: ultimate Girls Trip: RHONY Legacy.
De Lesseps recalled Cohen saying he liked the idea because Bensimon had “done so much work on herself” and “rose from the ashes.”
Though, the “Scary Island” incident resurfaced during filming when Dorinda Medley, 60, confronted Bensimon about it. De Lesseps maintains that the story has unfairly followed Bensimon,who she believes is simply not equipped for that level of drama.
Morgan said she had never seen Bensimon act that way before. She said she felt Bensimon needed help and that the other women shouldn’t make the situation worse.
Morgan added that she spent the rest of the night with singer, barricading themselves in Singer’s room with umbrellas.
What’s next
The legacy of “Scary Island” continues to be a topic of discussion among Housewives fans, with cast members reflecting on the events and their aftermath.