Bethenny Frankel, 54, Claps Back at Trolls After Thong Bikini Stunt—Her Daughter’s Reaction

The reality star brushed off critics with confidence and shared a heartwarming message from home that challenged all assumptions about her recent outfit at a fashion event.

Bethenny Frankel's appearance in a thong bikini at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit runway show during Miami Swim Week on May 31, 2025, quickly drew online attention. The 54-year-old reality star and entrepreneur promptly addressed the feedback in a video posted June 1, sharing her daughter's excited reaction and justifying her choice to promote body positivity on the catwalk.

Frankel took the runway alongside other Sports Illustrated models, walking with poise in a range of swimwear, including a standout pink and black polka-dot thong bikini.

Sports Illustrated shared a video of her at the event on its Instagram account, with the caption: "Nailed it. #SISwimsuit #SISwim25 #SwimWeek."

Meanwhile, Frankel posted her own video that same day, giving followers behind-the-scenes footage and other clips from her runway moments. Her caption read, "This B came to work tonight @si_swimsuit #miamiswimweek #sportsillustrated #swim #runwayshow #swimsuitmodel #mother."

While many praised her performance, several critical comments questioned her daughter's potential reaction to her appearance in a thong. However, just hours later, Frankel shared a follow-up video recorded from her home, directly responding to those remarks.

She said, "A few miserable people said, 'What would your daughter say?' And I know because the peanut just FaceTimed me."

"The Real Housewives of New York City" alum recounted that Bryn, her daughter with ex-husband Jason Hoppy, told her, "Mama! I saw you, you did so good! You have such a good tush, mama." Frankel added, "And she said, 'You look like you look 30 years old.'"

Furthermore, she mentioned that Bryn could not attend the show due to a prior commitment but said she wished her daughter had experienced the event's atmosphere.

She described the runway energy as uplifting and centered around body positivity, noting the importance of such an environment for young girls.

"Other kids can be so cruel … I wish she were there because the vibe was body positivity and the women owning their bodies. [It] was so amazing, and I want that for her. I want to be on that runway with her," the reality star expressed.

Frankel also included an overlay text in the video: "What would my daughter think of me being in a thong in a fashion show…" Her caption responded to the question clearly: "The answer is proud @si_swimsuit #momlife #peanut #siswimsuit," essentially shutting down any doubt about her daughter's feelings.

In a separate post, the reality star shared a carousel of pre- and post-show moments with fellow models. Beyond praising the other women at the event, she said it was an incredible experience and deeply appreciated her Florida community's ongoing support.

In another June 1 Instagram video, the reality star reflected on the event, admitting that she had not known what to expect from the Sports Illustrated experience. She explained that she knew it was a magazine and that they published a swimsuit issue once a year.

Fortunately, the backstage atmosphere particularly impressed her. Frankel mentioned that although she didn't know most of the other women, she quickly noticed how supportive they were.

She highlighted that the prominent theme and culture was "women supporting women." Participants shared tips, helped one another prepare their walks, and showed genuine interest in each other's plans.

Though she remained confident throughout the show, Frankel also acknowledged feeling self-aware. She explained that she knew her age and that she wasn't a professional model, especially with so many actual models around.

A big worry for her was whether she'd do well or completely mess up and embarrass everyone. Luckily, that didn't happen.

Despite her earlier videos, Frankel further addressed the public's fixation on her appearance on June 2. Wearing a cutout black one-piece, she remarked, "So I guess we have to discuss what I looked like on that runway because the internet is so fascinated with my age, my weight, my face, my hair."

She clarified that no one on that stage looked the same two hours earlier, crediting the transformation to glam teams, contouring, and lighting. The reality star also emphasized that her everyday reality is far from glamorous. "I look like a train wreck most of the time," she joked. "That's me. That's what I want."

Furthermore, Frankel opened up about her relationship with her body. She stated that she doesn't follow a rigorous workout regimen or extreme diet. Instead, she said she maintains a natural approach to health and fitness.

She reflected on a time in her early 30s when she was 25 pounds heavier and trapped in cycles of binging and restricting. Now, she said, she has a "good relationship with food and exercise," though it took years to get there.

"My body is natural," she explained. "I don't do weights. And the reason my body is natural is because the exercise I do and have always done for my body is natural."

She added that she can go months without working out, but she never shames herself for it. Finally, the reality star closed the message with advice to women navigating body image challenges.

"I want you to allow yourselves to have, but not beat yourselves up when you do indulge," she shared. She also expressed a desire for her followers to cultivate a positive relationship with food and exercise, stressing that this doesn't mean intense gym workouts or harsh self-criticism. Instead, she concluded, prioritizing overall well-being is healthier.

Additionally, Frankel captioned the video, "It's time for women to start focusing on and realizing that what's on the inside will lead to being happier with what's on the outside. #loveyourself #body #natural #healthy #age."