Ryan Serhant is showing strong support for Bethenny Frankel as she faces criticism online regarding her new home’s interior design in Florida.
In a recent interview with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” the “Owning Manhattan” star labeled Frankel as a visionary, suggesting her taste and strategic mindset are considerably ahead of what most people recognize.
“Bethenny Frankel is a genius. She’s incredibly savvy in marketing… She doesn’t just think ten steps ahead; she thinks ten miles ahead,” Serhant remarked. He noted that this unique approach makes it hard for others to follow suit. “You have to catch up, and by the time you do, she’s already onto the next thing,” he added.
Frankel’s latest endeavor is a sleek property in Palm Beach, which Architectural Digest described as a “streamlined, modern take on classic Florida design.” However, the house has drawn a flurry of negative comments online following its feature. Some social media users wasted no time voicing their opinions. One user asked, “What’s going on here at HomeGoods?” while another mocked the presence of “Chinese ducks.”
Another commenter critiqued the space, saying it “doesn’t taste bad, it just lacks flavor,” and some even questioned the legitimacy of its inclusion in Architectural Digest, pointing out details like roller blinds and using a coffee table as a side table.
Despite the backlash, Serhant maintains that the criticism stems from a misunderstanding of who Frankel is and what she is creating.
“I think she’s going to become one of the leading figures in residential real estate in Florida,” he stated. “She’s a powerhouse—smart, successful, and has been very supportive of me.”
In response to the uproar, Frankel recently shared a video on Instagram, revealing that she’s made at least $12 million in real estate profits over the past few years. She also clarified that there’s no HomeGoods or Wayfair merchandise in her home, stating that these brands are “billion-dollar” operations deserving of respect.
Frankel explained that her design choices are driven by investment potential, not merely looks. “Sometimes the outcome is good, sometimes it’s bad, but part of the thrill is in the mix,” she explained. “There are so many fun elements that no one knows where they originated.”
From Serhant’s perspective, this mix is indicative of someone who’s playing the long game, even if public perception hasn’t quite caught up yet.
Season 2 of Owning Manhattan is now available to stream on Netflix.
