The former 'Real Housewives of New York City' star describes her court battle with ex-husband as a 'mental and emotional torture' following their bitter split.
- Apr 11, 2024
AceShowbiz - Bethenny Frankel has opened up about the "horrific" and "hall of fame, nightmare divorce" she endured with ex-husband Jason Hoppy. On her "Just B" podcast, she revealed that she has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the lengthy proceedings and custody battle over their daughter Bryn.
"I've been burned. I have massive trust issues, and I have post-traumatic stress disorder. It was literally the most traumatizing thing I will hopefully ever go through in my life," she said.
Frankel initially resisted signing a prenuptial agreement, believing that no one could take anything from her. However, she now acknowledges that this was a mistake that cost her dearly. She spent millions of dollars and endured countless tears during the divorce, which took up 20% of her life despite their marriage lasting only two years.
The Skinnygirl mogul expressed regret that she married someone who seemed like they could handle her life in the public eye, but ultimately proved to be unsuitable. She also admitted that her naivety about prenuptial agreements contributed to the difficulties she faced.
"I thought I would never survive it. I did not see a way out," she continued. "It was suffocating. I thought I was gonna be miserable for the rest of my life." She added, "I have had every single f**king thing except for physical abuse done to me."
Frankel described the divorce as "mental and emotional torture" that left her questioning her worth as a human and a parent. She alleged she experienced "fraud," "forgery," and "multiple trials on custody," as well as being "followed" and "allegedly being hacked."
The ordeal has impacted her current relationship with fiance Paul Bernon. Frankel explained that it has made her hesitant to get married again and has affected her trust in relationships.
Frankel gained full legal custody and primary residential custody of Bryn in December 2021. However, the bitter custody battle has left her daughter suffering from anxiety, hyperventilation, and hives, according to her attorney.
Despite her past experiences, Frankel has emphasized the importance of learning from her mistakes. She warned listeners that marriage should be treated as a business partnership, and that open communication and realistic expectations are crucial for navigating the challenges of divorce.
