Bethenny Frankel criticized Kamala Harris for spending time “hobnobbing with celebrities” during her presidential campaign against Donald Trump.
In a video posted Wednesday on her Instagram, the “Real Housewives of New York City” alum, who has not revealed who she voted for, explained why she did not think it was a “good idea” for Harris to be “aligning with celebrities.”
“This was the most divisive election that I can recall in my lifetime, the stakes felt so high on both sides, people couldn’t have an opinion,” Frankel, 54, said.
“It’s been like that for a while, but it felt more crystallized here. You couldn’t have an opinion, regardless of who you were voting for. You couldn’t say either candidate didn’t do something you didn’t like … something that wasn’t a good business practice.”
Bethenny Frankel slammed Kamala Harris for “hobnobbing with celebrities” during her presidential campaign against Donald Trump.
“Or something that was in poor taste, you just couldn’t do it,” she added.
“I genuinely did not think that aligning with celebrities is and was a good idea. I don’t think the American public by and large care about who is hobnobbing with celebrities, it’s the forbidden fruit, it’s tempting, it’s right there, it’s the shiny object.
The reality TV star continued: “I don’t think its a working model, I’m allowed to have that opinion.”
Kamala Harris (left) and Beyoncé embrace as they attend a campaign rally in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 25, 2024.
Jennifer Lopez (left) introduces Harris at a When We Vote We Win campaign rally in North Las Vegas, Nevada, on Oct. 31, 2024.
Harris received endorsements from many celebrities during her campaign, including Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, Oprah, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Cardi B, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, Orlando Bloom, Lizzo, Julia Roberts, Ricky Martin, Christina Aguilera, Usher, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Harrison Ford and Dick Van Dyke.
Many of those stars also attended Harris’ campaign rallies.
“I thought there were mistakes on both sides but when I expressed an opinion, regardless of who I was voting for, I was attacked on both sides and attacking each other and fighting in the comments,” Frankel added.
Bruce Springsteen performs at a campaign rally supporting Harris on Oct. 28, 2024, in Philadelphia.
John Legend and Chrissy Teigen (second from right) pose for selfies with Harris’ supporters during a campaign rally in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 28, 2024.
Frankel went on to encourage Americans to come together now that the election is over.
“We live in a democracy and the people have spoken, the decision has been made,” she said. “The country has to come together.”
Many of the A-list names who endorsed Harris were active on her campaign up to the very end.
On the eve of the election, Perry, 40, performed at a Harris rally in Pittsburgh. “Four years ago, I became a mother … She is the reason I am voting for Kamala Harris,” the singer said, referring to her daughter, Daisy. “I know she will protect my daughter’s future and your children’s future.”
Melissa Viviane Jefferson (left), aka Lizzo, gave a speech before Harris at Western International High School in Detroit on Oct. 19, 2024.
Harris (second from left) was supported by Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom (second from right) at a rally in Pennsylvania on Election Day.
Harris and Usher during a campaign event in Atlanta, Georgia, on Oct. 19, 2024.
Cardi B stumped for Harris in Wisconsin on Friday, telling the crowd assembled at West Allis’ Wisconsin State Fair Park: “Just like Kamala Harris, I too have been the underdog.”
“I have been underestimated, my success belittled and discredited,” she said. “Women have to work 10 times harder, perform 10 times better and still people question how we got to the top.”
Following Harris’ defeat, Cardi B was among a host of celebrities who bemoaned the election results.
“I swear to God I’m really sad,” she said in an Instagram video. The rapper added that she remains proud of Harris.
“No matter what, I know that she’s probably emotional right now. I know there’s probably a lot going on in her mind and I know she’s not listening to this, but she will eventually see it,” Cardi B said.
“I just hope she knows no matter what happens tonight, millions of people are proud of her. Women around the world are proud of her. Women of color are proud of her.”
