Following their highly publicized split, Bethenny Frankel has spoken candidly about her breakup from fiancé Paul Bernon.
The former “The Real Housewives of New York City” cast member spoke about the former couple's relationship during Sunday's episode of the “Just B with Bethney Frankel” podcast. Frankel and Vernon reportedly split around March after six years of dating.
“I went through a breakup, and it was something that I kept to myself,” Frankel said. “It was something that I grieved alone, and I went to therapy, I tried, but I didn't feel like I needed to share it.”
“It was a breakup that I wanted to handle alone and privately and didn't feel like I owed anyone any explanations.”
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Frankel also detailed her experience revisiting her breakup when media coverage of Vernon and Aurora Culpo's new relationship surfaced.
Bethenny Frankel says she 'initiated' breakup with Paul Bernon
While Frankel and Vernon's breakup was “obviously mutually agreed upon,” the TV personality said she was “the one who initiated” the breakup.
“I wasn't happy and something needed to change,” Frankel said. “There were difficulties in the relationship and no one dumps anyone, but I got over it. I was scared because of my history and abandonment anxiety.”
She continued, “Any change that happens to someone you rely on and love can be really scary. But ultimately, I knew it was the right thing to do. And I really accepted it and I was happy. I was doing well and I was surviving.”
However, three months after their split, Vernon was reportedly seen getting “flirty” with Culpo, who is the sister of actress and model Olivia Culpo.
Bethenny Frankel said she was 'disappointed' to find out Paul Bernon was dating Aurora Culpo
Frankel said she was “heartbroken” by the extensive media coverage of Vernon's relationship with Culpo, adding that she “felt like I was intruding into someone else's relationship.”
Frankel said she initially chose not to discuss Vernon's new relationship because she was “focused on myself,” but it was difficult for her to see herself portrayed as “just a single woman sitting at home crying, struggling with a breakup and dealing with this new change.”
“My name started to appear in the headlines as the woman who'd upgraded from her ex-boyfriend who'd cheated on me and left me for a younger woman,” Frankel said. “He kept a low profile, but now he's in a serious relationship, he's got a girlfriend, he's meeting her family and her kids, and this whole story is repeating itself.”
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Despite their whirlwind romance, Vernon and Culpo reportedly split after two months of dating.
“I just want to say that I'm OK,” Frankel said. “It was hard because I had to go through the same breakup twice, but it was even harder the second time because I had to hear all these details.”
Bethenny Frankel reveals she messaged Olivia Culpo during her breakup with Paul Bernon
Frankel said she reached out to Culpo's sister, Olivia, before Vernon and Culpo's relationship became a “media frenzy” and “got out of hand.”
The former “RHONY” star said the actress' “gracious” response gave her some emotional comfort.
“She was really kind and told me she's a fan of mine and has all my books and really respects me,” Frankel said. “She was really kind and it was like a really warm blanket during this really difficult time.”
Frankel remained optimistic about her recovery process following her breakup with Vernon.
“I'm in therapy. I'm working on myself,” Frankel said. “I'm confident. I'm single. I'm independent. I'm happy. I'm going to get through this.”
