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The Bravo-sphere was thrown for a loop last summer when Bethenny Frankel announced her exit from Real Housewives of New York City right around the same time production began on the show’s upcoming 12th season.

Now the Skinnygirl founder, 49, is opening up about the decision in an interview with Variety published on Thursday, February 20.

“Everyone thinks I left because of money. I wasn’t leaving because of money,” Frankel, 49, told the publication about her RHONY departure. “I was staying because of money.”

What does she mean? Find out, NEXT page…