CLEAR ‘VIEW’: Bethenny Frankel and Joy Behar Trade Barbs Over Runway Mockery

It’s a battle of wit and words between two of daytime television’s most recognizable personalities. Bethenny Frankel, former star of “The Real Housewives of New York City” and business mogul, has lashed out at “The View” co-host Joy Behar after Behar made cutting remarks about Frankel’s unexpected runway appearance during a recent fashion event. The very public spat has ignited conversations about age, female rivalry, and the pressures of performing in the spotlight.

How It All Went Down

The drama began when Bethenny Frankel strutted down the runway at a New York fashion show, a surprise appearance that sparked both fanfare and chatter across fashion and reality TV circles. Known for her Skinnygirl brand and sharp-tongued candor, Frankel seemed to relish the limelight. Soon after, on an episode of “The View,” 81-year-old Joy Behar referenced Frankel’s walk with a biting joke, raising eyebrows on social media.

Behar quipped: “Bethenny Frankel on the runway—who let her out there? I mean, what was that? Stick to Housewives drama, honey.” Her co-hosts giggled, and the studio audience responded with a mixture of laughter and gasps, but the moment didn’t go unnoticed by Frankel herself—or by her legion of loyal followers.

Bethenny Strikes Back

Unwilling to let the jab slide, Frankel quickly took to her preferred social media platforms—Instagram and TikTok—to air her grievances. In a pointed video, the 53-year-old entrepreneur declared:

“Let’s set the record straight. Some miserable, washed-up woman sitting at a table doesn’t get to decide what brings me or anyone else joy. If Joy Behar lived with any joy, maybe she’d try actually empowering women instead of tearing them down. Sorry, honey, I’m just getting started. You can watch from the sidelines—if you can stay awake.”

Frankel’s clap-back resonated with many of her fans, who accused Behar of being out of touch and unnecessarily critical, while others argued that Frankel herself is no stranger to stirring the pot and throwing her own share of shade. Either way, the moment went viral, with social media users dissecting every word.

The Bigger Picture: Women in the Spotlight

The feud between Frankel and Behar is more than just celebrity gossip—it shines a light on the way women, especially those over 40, are treated when they step outside of their traditional roles. Frankel’s decision to walk the runway at a mature age was seen by many as a power move, proof that confidence and ambition don’t have an expiration date. Behar’s mockery, intentional or not, struck a nerve in a culture obsessed with youth and perfection.

It’s not the first time “The View” co-hosts have landed in hot water for their sharp tongues. Joy Behar, long known for her biting humor and quick quips, often delivers commentary that walks the line between witty and controversial. The show’s format, built around strong female opinions, has become a staple of daytime TV—but sometimes the cost is public feuds and hurt feelings.

For Frankel, being called “washed-up” is ironic. In the years since her Housewives debut, she has built a business empire, raised millions for disaster relief, spawned podcasts, and become an outspoken advocate for women in business. Her presence on the runway, therefore, can be read as just another example of her refusal to be defined or confined by other people’s expectations.

Fans Choose Sides

Online, the debate is fierce. Some users have sided with Frankel, posting messages like, “Joy should be empowering other women, not making fun of them,” and “Bethenny is brave for putting herself out there.” Others took a more neutral approach, posting, “Both women are entertainers—this is just what they do,” or even, “Wasn’t Bethenny the one who made a career out of feuds?”

A fair point: Frankel’s reality TV roots are entangled in drama, and she herself has been accused of tearing people down in the name of entertainment. Still, the context here is different: a successful, self-made woman being mocked for taking on a new challenge later in life.

The Role of Critics and the Public

What’s often lost in these celebrity dust-ups is the role that the public and media play in perpetuating rivalries. Social media algorithms reward controversy and outrage, creating cycles that can be hard to escape. The same audiences who decry “mean girl” behavior are often the first to egg it on, sharing clips, memes, and commentary that keep the feud alive.

Frankel herself acknowledged this dynamic, tweeting, “Funny how people love ‘women supporting women’—until it’s time to actually do it.” Behar, for her part, has yet to comment further, possibly taking her own advice: “Sometimes the best response is to say nothing at all.”

Moving Forward

Both Frankel and Behar are veterans of the entertainment world. Whether this squabble fades into pop culture memory or escalates further is anyone’s guess. But their exchange underlines the ongoing challenges high-profile women face: scrutiny, competition, and the need to constantly prove their relevance.

At its core, the spat is a reminder to live life on your own terms, to be unafraid of change, and to reject anyone who tries to limit your joy—no matter how famous they are.

As Bethenny put it, “I’ll keep walking runways, running businesses, and living my life. Haters can grab a seat.”

If there’s one clear view, it’s this: both women are unapologetic, have plenty to say—and aren’t going anywhere.