Luann de Lesseps is opening up about the cast drama surrounding her upcoming E! series, The Golden Life, and she is not holding back. The former Real Housewives of New York City star recently reacted to co-stars Ramona Singer and Sonja Morgan reuniting with Bethenny Frankel for a Paris ad, saying the move made sense financially. While speaking on Page Six’s Virtual Reali-Tea podcast in June 2026, de Lesseps joked that the reunion was “a cash grab,” adding, “Good for them. I think they needed a little cash, so, perfect.” She also said she was not bothered by whether the women still keep in touch, noting that they can be friends with whoever they want. De Lesseps suggested the trio’s trip was short and that they returned quickly because the cast had their own project to film. When asked whether she would rather go ziplining or appear in the ad, she chose ziplining, saying she would rather “zip on out of there.”
De Lesseps’ comments come after years of public tension with Frankel. Their relationship has been rocky for a long time, including a major clash on RHONY in season 11. In 2024, the two briefly reunited for a photo in the Hamptons, but that moment quickly turned sour. De Lesseps later accused Frankel of using the photo for clout and involving her daughter in the process. At the time, she said the reunion did not feel genuine and admitted that seeing Frankel’s video hurt her feelings. Before her view changed, though, de Lesseps had spoken more positively, saying she was trying not to dwell on the past and that they were moving in a positive direction.
The back-and-forth has kept fans talking, and de Lesseps’ newest remarks have sparked fresh reactions on social media. Some viewers found her comments funny, while others suggested she may still have unresolved feelings toward Frankel. A few fans also wondered whether the new show will feature even more drama than expected.
The Golden Life was announced by E! in February 2026 and is set to premiere this fall. The original cast included de Lesseps, Singer, Morgan, Jill Zarin, and Kelly Bensimon, though Zarin was removed before production began after comments she made about the most recent Super Bowl halftime show. Dorinda Medley was later added to the cast. The first trailer arrived in May and teased both humor and tension as the women reflected on their time in Florida.
De Lesseps had already commented on Zarin’s firing earlier this year, calling the situation “tone-deaf” and “unfortunate,” while adding that the show had to move forward. Now, with the premiere approaching, her latest comments suggest The Golden Life may deliver plenty of off-screen and on-screen drama.
