Well, that was quick!
Jules Wainstein will not be returning to the Real Housewives of New York next season. Did RHONY star Bethenny Frankel have anything to do with Wainstein’s early exit?
According to E! Online , Wainstein was introduced on the hit reality show as a friend of Dorinda Medley. Despite creating plenty of drama, Wainstein’s first season will be her last, though she might appear as a friend in future seasons.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIsN1X_BuAq/?taken-by=juleswainstein&hl=en
It isn’t known if Frankel influenced the decision to let Wainstein go. However, a rep assured fans that Wainstein left the show over personal issues.
“Jules is going through a divorce and is putting her family first,” a source explained.
Wainstein went through a public divorce with Michael Wainstein shortly after filming for Season 8 wrapped.
The divorce turned ugly after Wainstein called the police on Michael and eventually filed for a temporary restraining order.
Wainstein was married to Michael for eight years and had two children, Rio and Jagger.
Apparently, Wainstein needs time away from the cameras to deal with the fallout from her divorce.
Michael Wainstein – Jules Wainstein’s Husband: Jules and husband Michael Wainstein are getting a divorce afte… https://t.co/pn9gNZroEt
— Tyrone Gibbons (@dirtynfunny) September 8, 2016
“She is a great mom who is just focused on her kids right now,” an insider explained.
Starcasm is reporting that Bravo has yet to comment on Wainstein’s decision to leave the show. The network also hasn’t mentioned who might take Wainstein’s place next season.
Meanwhile, the drama is just starting to heat up between Wainstein and Frankel.
Perez Hilton released a sneak peek for all of the reunion specials, and it looks like Frankel will butt heads with just about every lady on the show.
This includes Jules Wainstein, whom Frankel attacked over her messy divorce. At one point, Frankel accused a teary-eyed Wainstein of coming onto the show in order to get divorced, a claim Wainstein vehemently denies.
What Does Jules Wainstein Think of Bethenny Frankel and Carole Radziwill Today? https://t.co/zoOUiwjOvm pic.twitter.com/ToU0TA9CQ6
— Bravo (@BravoTV) August 5, 2016
That being said, it also looks like Frankel is going to get her share of criticism during the reunion.
In fact, Movie News Guide is reporting that Frankel has already started “distancing herself” from her RHONY co-stars. Does this mean Frankel’s time on the show is also in jeopardy? Did Frankel’s feud with Wainstein lead to her early exit ?
Season 8 included the likes of Ramona Singer, Frankel, Wainstein, Luann de Lesseps , Medley, and Carole Radziwill, all of whom brought plenty of drama.
With this season featuring some of the most dramatic moments ever featured on the show, there is little doubt that Bravo will renew RHONY for Season 9.
Of course, with Wainstein already out, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding casting for next year.
If Frankel is considering leaving the show, then she probably had little to do with Wainstein’s exit. After all, Frankel has plenty of things on her plate besides the drama she stirs up on reality TV.
Bethenny Frankel: I ‘wouldn’t have minded strangling’ Luann de Lesseps https://t.co/cgVxadgu1F pic.twitter.com/unnSCOZY8x
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) September 8, 2016
Frankel recently concluded her longstanding divorce from Jason Hoppy and is already dating a new man. The Skinnygirl mogul is also looking to expand her brand and is ready to enjoy her time away from the show.
However, given how Frankel’s return boosted ratings for the show, there is little question that Bravo will do its best to sign a new contract with Frankel.
Whatever ends up happening between Frankel and the network, it is clear that she has bargaining power with the show. Whether or not Frankel used her power to kick Wainstein off the show is yet to be seen.
Either way, fans can expect plenty more drama as the Real Housewives of New York heads into its final two episodes.
Part three of the Real Housewives of New York Season 8 reunion airs Wednesday night on Bravo.
Tell us! Are you shocked that Jules Wainstein is not returning for Season 9 of the Real Housewives of New York ? Let us know in the comments and take a tour of her home in the video below.
[Image via Bravo]