‘The Answer Is ‘Proud’: Bethenny Frankel Addresses Runway Thong Backlash

The TV personality walked the runway for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show over the weekend but was met with heavy criticism online. She has since responded to the backlash in a new video.

Bethenny Frankel dazzled in Sport Illustrates' new line of swimwear on May 31, 2025, at W South Beach in Miami, Florida.

The model donned three different looks as she strutted the runway, dancing and clearly having fun. One was a bold, high-cut leopard print one-piece swimsuit; the second ensemble featured a denim-inspired bikini with frayed edges, topped off with a black cowboy hat.

Finally, she wore a bright pink polka dot bikini, featuring a thong and paired with a sheer black sarong. While Frankel enjoyed the show, however, the internet erupted with negative feedback. The 54-year-old responded in a video shared on Sunday, June1.

She prefaced the clip with the caption, "What would my daughter think of me being in a thong in a fashion show… The answer is proud."

"A few miserable people said, 'What would your daughter say?' And I know because the peanut just FaceTimed me," she began, referring to her daughter, Bryn, whom she shares with ex Jason Hoppy.

"She said, 'Mama! I saw you, you did so good! You have such a good tush, mama.'And she said, 'You look like you look 30 years old,'" she continued.

Frankel also shared that her daughter couldn't attend the show due to prior commitments, but she wished she could be present.

"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," she admitted.