Rebecca Minkoff stands poised at the threshold of a fresh start. The designer has announced her departure from "The Real Housewives of New York City," having recently concluded her role as a "friend of the cast" in the show's fifteenth season. In an Instagram post dated February 4, she shared the news, stating, "2025 marks a new dawn for me, and in the light of current global events, I am reminded of the unparalleled importance of family, friends, and community."
"The past month has bestowed upon me a clarity of purpose, driving me to focus intently on my four incredible children, my unwavering husband, my two-decade-old business, the Female Founder Collective, my podcast, and, of course, my book," she continued. "Though I have gained invaluable insights and forged bonds with fans through this franchise, I now seek to reorder my priorities, centering on what holds the deepest meaning for me: designing, philanthropy, empowering women, and nurturing my family."
Rebecca, who shares Luca (13), Bowie (10), Nico (6), and Leonardo (2) with her husband Gavin Bellour, concluded her announcement by asserting that it is "time to turn the page." This revelation came just hours after the final segment of the "RHONY" reunion aired on Bravo.
During the reunion episode, her association with the Church of Scientology came under scrutiny. In response to a fan's accusation that she should "stop normalizing cults," Rebecca, who also practices Judaism, fiercely defended the organization against such misplaced labels. "That is a derogatory and biased term," she told Andy Cohen. "Labeling a religion a 'cult' is hate speech."
Throughout her solitary season on the Bravo hit, the fashionable handbag designer frequently found herself locked in debates with co-star Brynn Whitfield. During the reunion, Brynn accused Rebecca of not actually residing in New York City. When Rebecca countered that Brynn "never took the time to get to know" her, Brynn responded by revealing that Rebecca had moved to Florida a week before filming for season 15 began. "You only flew in to film with us," Brynn claimed. "I've known this from the outset."
However, Rebecca stood her ground, refusing to simplify the situation. "I own two houses here," she snapped back. "I pay taxes here. Many successful individuals have multiple residences, so don't tell me where I should live. Are you the location police? I'm glad you're keeping track of my whereabouts!"
With her single-season tenure on the show, Rebecca joins the ranks of Eboni K. Williams, Cindy Barshop, Jules Wainstein, and Barbara Kavovit as fellow one-season wonders of "RHONY."
