Bethenny Frankel Quits “The Real Housewives Of New York City”

Bethenny Frankel will not returning for a fourth season of The Real Housewives of New York City.

Frankel says she is through with the drama associated with the series and has opted out of her contract with the popular Bravo docu-soap. The reality star, 39, explains that she does not “see any reason to go back” after her feud with former best friend Jill Zarin. Frankel was especially hurt when Zarin backstabbed the bestselling author by trashtalking her to fellow castmates. Bethenny’s constant bickering with rival Kelly Killoren Bensimon also plagued RHONY’s last season.

“Last season was scary and painful. It took all of the joy out of it,” Frankel tells Us. “My gut’s saying not to be part of this cast.”

The new mom is certainly not hurting for cash. The natural foods chef leads a franchise of books, recipes, and even a workout DVD called Body By Bethenny. The premiere of her spinoff reality show — Bethenny Getting Married — was the highest-rated for a new Bravo show, debuting to more than 2 million viewers last June. The first season followed Frankel as she wed Jason Hoppy and they prepared for the arrival of their daughter Bryn.

The Real Housewives of New York City — now starring just Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Alex McCord, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon, and Sonja Morgan — goes into production Sept. 20.

What say you Housewives fans? Are you disappointed to see Bethenny go?