Reality TV Royalty Weighs In on a Scathing Review
The world of luxury reality television is never short of drama, especially when one of its most outspoken veterans decides to weigh in. Bethenny Frankel, the original “Real Housewives of New York” star and entrepreneur, recently took a swipe at the cast of Netflix’s new show, Members Only: Palm Beach, calling them “Walmart Birkins.” The comment, implying the cast is a budget-friendly knockoff of high society, has naturally sparked conversation.
Now, the stars of the show are breaking their silence. In a recent interview, breakout cast member Rosalyn Yellin addressed Frankel’s remark with a surprising amount of poise and confidence.
“Let’s Hear It”: Rosalyn Yellin’s Unbothered Response
When asked about Frankel’s “Walmart Birkins” comment, Yellin didn’t shy away. “She’s talking about it,” Yellin stated matter-of-factly. Her response was less about firing back and more about embracing the spotlight, no matter how it arrives. “The country can talk about it … people can talk about it. Go on, let’s hear it.”
This attitude suggests the cast of Members Only: Palm Beach is prepared for the scrutiny that comes with entering the crowded reality TV landscape. Rather than taking offense, Yellin’s reaction frames the criticism as simply more fuel for the show’s buzz. It’s a savvy move, acknowledging the comment without letting it define them or their portrayal of life in one of America’s most exclusive enclaves.
The Context of the Clapback
Bethenny Frankel is no stranger to controversy or sharp-tongued commentary. Having built her brand on being unfiltered, her critique, while harsh, fits her established persona. The term “Walmart Birkin” is a particularly biting one in circles where authenticity, legacy, and extreme wealth are paramount. A Birkin bag by Hermès is a ultimate symbol of luxury, often with waitlists and price tags reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars. The comparison suggests a perceived inauthenticity or “new money” vibe, a classic point of contention in reality TV narratives.
For Netflix, which is diving deeper into the unscripted luxury space with shows like this, such high-profile commentary from an industry figure like Frankel is arguably free marketing. It immediately sets the show within a pecking order and creates a “versus” dynamic that viewers often find irresistible.
Whether the cast of Members Only: Palm Beach will lean into this “underdog” narrative or prove Frankel wrong by showcasing their own unique brand of Palm Beach opulence remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: they’re not running from the conversation. As Rosalyn Yellin put it, they’re ready for everyone to talk.
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