Bethenny Frankel has taken aim at Vice President Kamala Harris, remarking that her connections with Hollywood celebrities might have undermined her chances in the recent presidential election. In a candid video shared on Instagram, the former “Real Housewives of New York City” star, now 54, expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of celebrity endorsements in politics. “I really don’t believe that aligning with celebrities is a smart move,” Frankel stated. “The general public isn’t as interested in who’s mingling with celebrities. It’s almost like a forbidden fruit; it’s flashy but ultimately ineffective.”
While acknowledging errors on both sides of the political spectrum, Frankel reinforced her criticism of Harris’ reliance on A-list endorsements and celebrity appearances during the campaign. She mentioned, “I’ve interacted with many elite individuals who seem to think their vote holds more weight because of their socioeconomic status or education, and that’s not how democracy should work.”
Despite having the support of numerous high-profile celebrities like Taylor Swift, Beyoncé, and Jennifer Lopez — who collectively boast over two billion social media followers — Frankel noted that this star power failed to sway the electorate in favor of the Democrats. “Celebrity endorsements are like a spinning wheel; they’re ineffective, a show of strength that yields no real results,” she pointed out.
Comments from Frankel’s followers echoed her sentiments, with some emphasizing the disconnect between wealthy celebrities and the everyday struggles of average citizens. One critic remarked, “Those facing financial hardship don’t need insights from celebrities who are out of touch.” Another added, “It’s condescending for wealthy entertainers to dictate how we should vote when so many are living paycheck to paycheck.”
As Election Day approached, Harris had leveraged endorsements from various stars and invited them to participate in her rallies. Notable performances included Megan Thee Stallion in Atlanta shortly after President Joe Biden stepped aside to endorse Harris, and speeches from figures like Beyoncé and Cardi B at different events.
Harris has yet to respond to the criticisms regarding her celebrity-focused strategy. In her concession speech, she expressed gratitude for the support she received, maintaining a hopeful tone as she addressed her supporters at Howard University. Former President Donald Trump secured the presidency with a decisive victory, winning 295 electoral votes and a significant portion of the popular vote.
