Rebecca Minkoff’s journey on The Real Housewives of New York City has officially come to an end.
On Tuesday, February 4, the same evening that part two of the RHONY season 15 reunion aired on Bravo, Minkoff, 42, took to Instagram to share the news of her departure after just one season on the reality series.
“I am truly grateful for the experience, the friendships, and the fans who have been part of this RHONY chapter,” the fashion designer wrote in white text against a black background. “Time to turn the page.”
Minkoff kept her caption simple, writing, “#newchapter.”
Rebecca Minkoff Opens Up About Why She Didn’t Discuss Scientology More on RHONY
Minkoff’s announcement came just hours after she spoke about why she chose not to openly discuss her religion, Scientology, while on RHONY. She explained that it “was never brought up in a manner that was respectful.”
Her Instagram statement also highlighted several projects that will now take center stage in her life. “2025 is a new beginning for me, and with everything going on in the world, I’m reminded more than ever of the importance of family, friends, and community,” she wrote.
“The past month has given me a fresh perspective on focusing on my incredible four kids, my supportive husband, my 20-year-old business, the Female Founder Collective, my podcast, and MY BOOK.”
She continued, “As much as I have learned from this franchise and its fans, I want to shift my focus back to what matters most: designing, giving back, supporting women, and raising my family.”
Minkoff told that she felt her faith was merely used as a plot point on RHONY, especially since her castmates never gave her the impression that they had a genuine interest in understanding Scientology.
“It was always presented in a way that, as Brynn [Whitfield] puts it, ‘I like to play horrible games. I like to stir the pot,’” Minkoff alleged, describing how her religion was framed during filming.
One example, she noted, took place during an October 2024 episode when Whitfield brought up Scientology to Jessel Taank while they were on a helicopter ride to the Hamptons. Minkoff pointed to this moment as a prime example of how her religion was handled on the show.
“I think the other time she mentioned it in the helicopter, she had been drinking all day, and it wasn’t coming from a place of genuine curiosity,” Minkoff told. “We had barely met. Would I immediately ask someone about their religious beliefs having never really spoken to them? Get to know me first.”
What RHONY’s Rebecca Minkoff Has Said About Being a Scientologist
Later in the episode, Whitfield likened their conversation to “talking to a door-to-door salesman trying to sell me snake oil.” Minkoff, in turn, called that comment “offensive” during part two of the reunion.
During the special, Minkoff also pushed back against a fan who accused her of “normalizing cults” by discussing Scientology on the show.
