Ryan Serhant is standing firm behind Bethenny Frankel as she weathers a wave of online criticism over the interior design of her new Florida home.
In an exclusive interview with Page Six’s “Virtual Reali-Tea,” the “Owning Manhattan” star praises the “Real Housewives of New York City” alum as a visionary whose taste — and strategic thinking — is simply miles ahead of the public’s understanding.
“Bethenny Frankel is a genius. She is a marketing maestro … She thinks not 10 steps forward; she thinks 10 miles forward,” the SERHANT. Real Estate founder tells us.
“And so it’s hard because no one else does and so you have to play catch-up. And then once you catch up, she’s won and she’s on to the next thing.”
Frankel’s latest project — a sleek Palm Beach–area property that AD described as “a streamlined, contemporary take on classic Floridian design” — became the center of a digital dogpile after it was unveiled in Architectural Digest. Some social media commenters were quick to pan the décor.
“What in the HomeGoods is happening here?” one critic wrote. “Made in China dupes is featured in Arch Digest now,” another mocked.
A separate user complained the spread demonstrated “not even bad taste, just an absence of taste.”
Others questioned why the glossy magazine showcased the home at all. “Roller blinds, accent wall wallpaper, a coffee table as a side table. I really am confused what about this is appropriate to run in ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST,” one person griped.
But Serhant, 41, insists the backlash misunderstands who Frankel, 55, is — and what she’s building.
“She, I think, will be one of the most prominent figures in residential real estate on the ownership side — which I don’t know if she’s talked about yet — in Florida,” he says. “She’s a beast. She’s great. She’s so smart and she’s been so successful. And she’s been really, really nice to me.”
Frankel herself addressed the controversy Sunday, posting an Instagram video in which she revealed she’s made at least $12 million in real estate profits in recent years.
She also clarified that, despite assumptions, there are no HomeGoods or Wayfair pieces in the home. However, she defended both as “multi-billion dollar brands” worthy of respect.
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The Skinnygirl mogul emphasized that she designs her residences with investment in mind, not simply aesthetics.
“Highs and lows, baby,” she told AD, explaining that mixing pieces — luxury or otherwise — is part of the fun. “There are so many things that are fun to mix in that no one will ever know where they’re from.”
And in Serhant’s eyes, that blend is precisely the mark of someone playing the long game — even if the internet hasn’t caught up yet.
“Owning Manhattan” Season 2 is available to stream on Netflix.
