Bethenny Frankel, the “Real Housewives of New York City” alum and businesswoman, is opening up about a recent bacterial infection on her face that caused unexpected swelling.
The 55-year-old reality star and entrepreneur shared the health update via a post on Instagram on Sunday, January 4, where she also shared a lengthy message with her followers.
In the post she shared a carousel of images from her trip with her daughter Bryn to St. Barths, with the last one showcasing her visibly swollen face that was covered in red bumps.
Frankel revealed she ended up leaving her trip early due to “heartbreaking news.”
Frankel Discusses Her Trip
However, she noted how she had some great moments during her trip.
“Despite leaving early because of some heartbreaking news, dealing with a bacterial infection, and St. Barths being the Hunger Games of holiday socialization, I still found moments that really mattered,” she began.
Frankel added, “I spent special time with friends and my love, Bryn, and rang in the new year in a way that felt genuinely meaningful, surrounded by good people.”
Frankel Mourns Her Friend
While Frankel didn’t say what exactly what the heartbreaking news was, her friend and celebrity makeup artist Jasen Kaplan passed away days priors.
She shared a touching tribute to Kaplan.
“Jasen Kaplan had a positive energy that was truly infectious. He was fun, vibrant, and always brought his A game. The world lost a one-of-a-kind gem on New Year’s Eve, which still doesn’t feel real,” she wrote.
Frankel continued, “Jasen was magnetic, generous, endlessly supportive, and always sharing his latest finds—food, products, people. He showed up with humor, heart, and a genuine interest in everyone around him.”
Fans React to Frankel’s Post
Fans had a wide variety of responses to Frankel’s post.
Many wished her to feel better and tried to speculate on what skin condition she had.
“Looks like shingles … hope you feel better soon,” one user wrote.
Another added, “That’s a serious allergic reaction to something.”
Others expressed their sympathy for Frankel as she goes through the grieving period for her friend.
“Sorry for the loss of your friend. Hope the infection clears up quickly. Prayers for you to Feel better physically and emotionally,” one user wrote.
One added, “Gad you had a magnificent time! Oh no your face! Prayers to the loss of an important person in your life.”
A few others fans commented on how grown up her daughter Bryn was looking, as she shared images of her in the post.
Looks like hives.