Martha Stewart, the renowned American businesswoman and lifestyle icon, made waves as the host of her adaptation of The Apprentice from September to December 2005. At that time, Bethenny Frankel, best known for her role on the reality series The Real Housewives of New York, participated in Stewart’s show. Their encounter created a legacy of animosity that has captured public attention over the years.
Unraveling the Feud: A Podcast Revelation
On February 14, 2023, Frankel explored the history of her contentious relationship with Stewart in an episode of her podcast, Just B, aptly titled Just B Rant: Martha Stewart Hates Me. In this episode, Frankel candidly shared her experiences on The Apprentice, the factors that led to her falling out with Martha, and their ongoing exchanges filled with veiled criticisms.
Martha Stewart’s Public Dismissal of Bethenny Frankel
During her podcast, Frankel drew parallels between her strained rivalry with Stewart and the infamous feuds of Hollywood icons like Bette Davis and Joan Crawford. Despite their clashes, Frankel expressed admiration for Stewart’s tenacity, labeling her a “ball buster”—a nod to her relentless pursuit of excellence. Interestingly, Frankel suggested that Stewart might hold similar sentiments about her.
Moments That Defined Their Rivalry
Bethenny gained entry into Martha’s precarious world as a determined contestant, maintaining a strong performance in the competition. However, she quickly realized some choices were negatively affecting Stewart’s perception of her. One memorable instance unfolded when Martha spotted Frankel wearing an expensive Louis Vuitton suit, which she was gifted. This seemingly superficial detail sulked in Martha’s judgment.
As the season finale approached and Frankel found herself among the last two contestants, she found herself reflecting on various missteps. One notorious faux pas occurred during an episode featuring special guest Bill Clinton. While meeting him, Frankel mentioned he had spinach stuck in his teeth. She later admitted her mistake was in informing Martha about this incident, which only fueled her ire.
Further misunderstanding arose when Frankel received a call from her acquaintance, Paul Allen, during filming. This interaction inadvertently painted her as someone more socially connected than she had presented herself, further jeopardizing her chances in Stewart’s eyes. Ultimately, Martha delivered the final blow during the live finale, stating:
“Bethenny, you’re pushy, you’re a show off, and you feel the need to make a physical impression, which is not entirely necessary.”
A Complex Relationship: From Feud to Frenemy
Following their fallout on The Apprentice, Frankel and Stewart continued to have public run-ins that maintained a palpable tension. In one memorable incident during a trip to St. Barts, Frankel boldly donned a dress she described as a “f**k you”outfit, despite Martha’s presence. Adding to the awkwardness, Martha publicly chastised her for her bitterness regarding their previous encounters.
Their exchanges became a source of intrigue, with Stewart poking fun at Frankel’s film career and Frankel retaliating with jabs at Stewart’s past controversies, such as her insider trading legal troubles. However, the narrative took a turn when they reconciled publicly during an appearance on Frankel’s talk show, where they reminisced about their shared time on The Apprentice.
Moving Forward: A New Dynamic
As it stands, Bethenny appears to have put the feud behind her, dubbing Martha a “frenemy”in her latest reflections. This revelation marks a significant evolution in their relationship, highlighting how personal and professional rivalries can transform over time.
For fans and followers, more insights into their dynamic can be found on Bethenny’s Just B podcast, available on platforms like iHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.
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