On Tuesday afternoon, UsMagazine.com broke the news that Bethenny Frankel is leaving Real Housewives of New York after three seasons. ("Last season was scary and painful," Frankel told Us exclusively.)
Hours later, the big announcement still hadn't reached her onscreen foe Kelly Bensimon.Bensimon -- who constantly traded insults with Frankel on the show -- then offered her thoughts on the departure. "Congratulations? I wish you well?"
The single mother of two daughters also addressed rumors about her own status with Bravo's hit; one report claims that Bensimon, 42, would appear "part-time" on the show's fourth season.
"I was just asked to come back and we haven't negotiated everything yet," she clarified. "But I can answer honestly I would either come back or I wouldn't come back -- we don't do part-time
Of her decision to leave, Frankel, 39, told Us that the nonstop sparring with both Bensimon and former best friend Jill Zarin "took all the joy" out of filming the show. A new mom to daughter Bryn, 3 months, with hubby Jason Hoppy, she said she doesn't "see any reason to go back."