Bethenny Frankel Introduces New Boyfriend Tom Villante
former “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel made headlines as she stepped out with her new boyfriend, Tom Villante, at the premiere of “Yellowstone” in New York City. This event marked their first public appearance as a couple, just eight months after Frankel’s engagement to Paul Bernon ended in March 2024.
Frankel arrived at the premiere wearing a stylish black turtleneck sweater dress. Villante complemented her look in a dark shirt, leather jacket, and pants. The couple posed together for photos inside the Museum of Modern Art, signalling their official debut as partners. This outing is significant for Frankel, who has kept her personal life private since her breakup earlier this year.
Bethenny Frankel’s relationship with Paul Bernon lasted six years. They met on a dating app in 2018 and became engaged in March 2021. However, their relationship faced challenges, which Frankel later discussed on her podcast, “Just B.” In a July episode, she revealed that she had endured a difficult period following the split. She explained that she preferred to mourn the relationship privately and sought therapy to help navigate her feelings. “I wasn’t happy. Something needed to change,” she stated during the podcast.
Since ending her engagement, Frankel has been open about re-entering the dating scene. In a July TikTok video, she humorously described her approach to dating as akin to conducting an FBI investigation. She mentioned that she often asks potential partners many questions to gauge compatibility. “I want to ask them for, like a W-2,” she joked, highlighting her serious attitude towards finding a suitable match.
Frankel and Villante were first spotted together in September 2024 when they were photographed holding hands during a date in Santa Monica. This sighting fueled rumours about their budding romance, which have now been confirmed following their appearance at the “Yellowstone” premiere.
Tom Villante is not just a new romantic interest for Frankel but also an accomplished businessman. He graduated from Princeton University with a degree in economics and is the Chairman and CEO of YapStone, a leading payment processing platform for the vacation rental industry. This professional background suggests that he shares Frankel’s entrepreneurial spirit and drive for success.
Despite their recent public appearance together, it remains unclear whether Villante has been married before or if he has children. Frankel has been married twice; her first marriage was to Peter Sussman in the 1990s, followed by her marriage to Jason Hoppy from 2010 until 2021. She shares one daughter with Hoppy.
The couple’s relationship progresses well as they navigate this new chapter together. They have yet to make their relationship “Instagram official,” but their public outings suggest they are comfortable being seen together.
In addition to her new romance, Frankel focuses on her business ventures and philanthropic efforts. She has built a successful career as an entrepreneur with her Skinnygirl brand and has been involved in various charitable initiatives through her foundation.
As fans of Bethenny Frankel watch her journey unfold, many are curious about how this new relationship will impact her life and career. Her ability to balance personal happiness with professional ambitions will undoubtedly interest those who have followed her story over the years,