celebrity scrutiny

Bethenny Frankel recently addressed comments made by Joy Behar during an episode of *The View*, where Behar speculated about Frankel’s appearance, specifically her breasts. The exchange occurred after Frankel participated in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show, where she discussed the preparation that went into her glamorous look. In a TikTok video shared on June 8, Frankel, 54, clarified that her appearance is not the result of “fake boobs,” as Behar suggested, but rather a breast lift she had done two decades ago. “So, Joy Behar took a swipe at me on *The View*,” Frankel began. “Whoopi [Goldberg] mentioned I was talking about the [Sports Illustrated Swimsuit] show, saying that none of us looked the way that we looked two hours prior. It took a lot of work and glam teams. Joy’s response was, ‘I appreciate her candor, but she has fake boobs.’ And these are a lift from, like, 20 years ago.” Frankel went on to share her personal experience, revealing that she had “saggy, floppy” breasts in high school. “This is actually a lift, Joy,” she asserted. She emphasized that the fashion show showcased women of her age and older living their lives with joy and confidence, countering the stereotype of older women as “washed-up” or “miserable.” The former *Real Housewives of New York City* star expressed sympathy for Behar, who is 82, suggesting that Behar’s comments reflected her own unhappiness. “You have to be really miserable to take a swipe at something that is literally self-deprecating and leveling the playing field, saying, ‘Yeah, we all look like this, but we had a lot of work that day,’” Frankel stated. “Sadly, Joy is painting the picture of the older, seemingly miserable, washed-up woman that all of us are trying to show that we aren’t.” In her TikTok caption, Frankel encouraged her followers to “live your life with Joy,” a clear nod to Behar’s name and a reminder to embrace positivity. Frankel’s comments come on the heels of her stunning runway appearance in a hot pink polka-dot bikini at the Miami Swim Week 2025, which garnered significant attention and even led to discussions about her daughter’s thoughts on her bold look. Frankel’s confidence and body positivity message resonate with many, especially women navigating the challenges of aging in the public eye. The exchange between Frankel and Behar highlights the often harsh scrutiny celebrities face regarding their appearances, as well as the broader societal perceptions of aging and beauty. Frankel’s response not only defends her choices but also serves as an empowering message to women everywhere, encouraging them to embrace their age and celebrate their bodies. This incident underscores the importance of supporting one another rather than tearing each other down, especially among women in the entertainment industry. As Frankel continues to challenge stereotypes and advocate for positivity, her influence as a role model for self-acceptance and confidence remains strong.