‘They weaponize sisterhood’ – Bethenny Frankel accuses The View of running a ‘mean girl ambush culture’ as she slams show for being ‘toxic for aging women’ and says she was mocked, baited, and shamed for speaking out - suong

Bethenny Frankel has launched a scathing takedown of The View, accusing the long-running talk show of fostering what she calls a “mean girl ambush culture” and claiming that the program has become a hostile space for aging women trying to reclaim their voice in the media.

In a blistering new episode of her podcast Just B with Bethenny Frankel, the former Real Housewives of New York City star didn’t hold back as she reflected on her recent brush with The View’s Joy Behar — a moment that started with a seemingly offhand comment about Bethenny’s body, but has since spiraled into a full-blown media war.

“It’s not just what Joy said,” Bethenny began. “It’s the entire setup — the smirks, the passive-aggressive remarks, the way they bait you into saying something that can go viral. It’s mean girl energy, but dressed up as journalism. And women deserve better than that, especially women over 40.”

‘They weaponize sisterhood’

Bethenny, 53, claimed she went into her appearance on The View with every intention of engaging in thoughtful dialogue about women, age, and confidence. But she says what she encountered instead was a show that thrives on creating friction between female guests — particularly those who, like her, challenge the narrative around beauty, aging, and relevance.

“They weaponize sisterhood,” Bethenny said flatly. “They act like they’re lifting you up — until you say something they can twist into shade, or until you don’t play their game. Then suddenly, you’re fair game. They mock you, interrupt you, question your worth… and smile while doing it.”

Frankel took particular issue with how The View framed her remarks about the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show, where she commented on the extreme preparation required by women to walk confidently. Joy Behar responded by suggesting Bethenny herself had “fake boobs” — a comment Bethenny has since confirmed is not true, revealing she had a breast lift over 15 years ago.

“It wasn’t about my body — it was about control,” she said. “They didn’t like that I was unapologetic. That I said what many women think but don’t say. So they found a way to shift the spotlight, to make me the punchline.”

‘Toxic for women in midlife’

The mogul and B Strong founder went further, saying The View perpetuates outdated power dynamics under the guise of progressive feminism.

“It’s toxic — especially for women in midlife,” she said. “You’re either quiet and agreeable or you’re difficult. You’re either Botoxed and smiling or you’re labeled bitter. And heaven forbid you call it out — then you’re the villain.”

Bethenny says she’s grown increasingly disillusioned with the way media platforms handle women of a certain age, accusing them of “tokenizing” older female voices without truly respecting them.

“We don’t need more seats at the table if those seats come with gags,” she added. “We need space where women can be real, be strong, and not be punished for evolving.”

A larger reckoning?

Since the episode aired, Bethenny’s comments have sparked intense debate across social media. While some fans accused her of overreacting, thousands more have come to her defense, applauding her for taking a stand and calling out what many have described as The View’s increasingly confrontational format.

A media insider told DailyMail+ that ABC executives are “closely monitoring the fallout,” especially as backlash grows from other women in media who privately share Bethenny’s frustrations.

“She said what many women in TV have been afraid to,” the source said. “Bethenny just did it with a mic and a massive following.”

As for Bethenny, she shows no signs of backing down. She ended her podcast episode with a now-viral quote:

“We’re not just here to age quietly. We’re here to live loudly — and no daytime panel is going to shame us out of that.”

Whether The View will address the claims remains to be seen. But for Bethenny Frankel, the battle lines have been drawn — and she’s made it clear she’s not afraid to go to war for the women who refuse to fade quietly into the background.