Reality TV shake-up: Brynn Whitfield leaves RHONY to pursue entrepreneurial dreams
Image: Instagram
In a surprising turn of events that has left fans of the Bravo franchise grappling with uncertainty, Brynn Whitfield, a cast member of the "Real Housewives of New York City" (RHONY), has announced her departure from the reality series.
Taking to social media, Whitfield openly shared her intention to step away from the chaotic dynamics of reality television, stating, 'After a lot of thought, I have made the decision to walk away from reality TV. For now.'
Whitfield's decision comes as she pivots her career towards an entrepreneurial path, focusing on a dating app she co-founded, aptly named Hoppy.
'All I want to do now is pour every ounce of energy into building Hoppy into the #1 dating app in the world,' she declared, emphasising her commitment to this new venture.
Reflecting on her time in the RHONY franchise, Whitfield expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the experience.
'The Real Housewives of New York City will always be one of the most fun, chaotic, and magical chapters of my life. It was the honour of a lifetime to help reboot such an iconic franchise.'
She added, 'From day one, I have believed RHONY is a fan's show - we're just temporary custodians of something that truly belongs to the viewers.'
These statements resonated with many, as viewers remember her for her light-heartedness and cheeky humour during her debut season.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Whitfield joined RHONY in 2023 as part of a major reboot that saw the return of other notable figures such as Jenna Lyons, Sai De Silva, Ubah Hassan, Jessel Taank, and Erin Lichy.
During her first season, she quickly became a 'fan-favourite,' bringing a fresh dynamic to the notoriously volatile ensemble.
However, the tone of the show took a severe turn during her second season, resulting in growing tensions among the cast.
Whitfield's co-stars began to perceive her actions as manipulative, leading to a profound mistrust by the season's conclusion.
'I hope I made you laugh (a lot), cry (a little), and more than anything - I hope there's a TV in heaven so that Mimi (who lived for her shows) could watch me and be proud,' she poignantly reflected, showcasing her deep connection to both her fans and her personal story.
Brynn Whitfield's emotional statement announcing her exit from 'Real Housewives of New York City'.
Image: Instagram
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Madonna urges Pope to visit Gaza and bring hope to its suffering children
Madonna. Picture: INSTAGRAM Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was elected as the new Pope, replacing Pope Francis. Prevost will be known as Pope Leo XIV. In a heartfelt plea reflecting both her concern as a mother and a public figure, iconic pop star Madonna has called on Pope Leo to travel to Gaza, where a dire humanitarian crisis continues to unfurl. In an Instagram post shared on Monday, she appealed to the pontiff, urging him to "bring your light to the children before it's too late." Madonna expressed her inability to watch the suffering of children as the conflict rages on. "As a mother, I cannot bear to watch their suffering. The children of the world belong to everyone," she wrote, emphasising the universal nature of empathy towards innocent victims caught in the crossfire. Using her platform to advocate for humanitarian aid, Madonna highlighted the urgent need for change, stating, "Politics cannot affect (sic) change. Only consciousness can. Therefore, I am reaching out to a Man of God." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ In a poignant twist, she revealed that her request coincides with her son Rocco's birthday, framing it as a personal gesture of love. "I feel the best gift I can give to him as a mother is to ask everyone to do what they can to help save the innocent children caught in the crossfire in Gaza," she shared. In addition to the plight of Palestinian children, Madonna's message included a call for compassion across the conflict. She specifically mentioned the hostages held by Hamas since the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, affirming her belief that "everyone is suffering," including the mothers of those abducted. "I pray that they are released as well," she added, echoing a universal hope for peace and safety in a tumultuous region. She said that she is "not pointing fingers, placing blame or taking sides." As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, her call to action challenges world leaders and influencers to step beyond borders and ideologies. With urgency in her voice, she invites others to join her in advocating for the voiceless: the innocent children affected by war. As of 30 July 2025, over 63,000 people (61,805 Palestinians and 1,983 Israelis have been reported killed in the Gaza war according to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Prominent content creator accused of allegedly sexually grooming a teenager
TikTok comedian Lance D Richards has been accused of sending explicit messages to a teenager. Image: Instagram. A Cape Town TikTok user and mother has alleged that her son had been sexually groomed by well-known content creator known as Lance D Richards. Prior to the incident coming to light, Richards shared a video on Instagram on July 27, saying that he will be taking a break from social media. Meanwhile, the mother, known as @LifeWithLinzy, shared her account of what happened only days ago, and it quickly garnered close to 340K views on the platform. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Reflecting on her journey which started during the pandemic, Linzy explained how the online world became a source of comfort for her. "Like many of us, I found comfort in online creators, people who made us laugh when the world felt heavy. This one man (Richards) in particular had a big following, was hilarious, relatable and human." She said their digital connection evolved into a personal relationship, and they eventually met in 2021. "Over time we connected, first online, then in a conversation, and eventually we built what felt like a real relationship. We shared stories, encouraged one another, and supported each other's platforms. I introduced him to my son, and in 2021 we met in person." She recounted, 'What started as online fun turned into inappropriate sexual messages sent to my teenage son.' She revealed that these interactions began subtly, often during drunken calls, escalating to sexual conversations that her son struggled to comprehend. "In the beginning, it was calls, especially when he was drunk, first subtle, then disturbing. My son didn't even know how to process it at that time; he thought maybe he (Richards) was joking, but it got worse. By the time my son was 19, the messages became explicit. "I have proof, screenshots and I will be sharing them because the truth matters. So why bring it here to TikTok? Because I met him on this platform and because he has a large audience who deserves to know the truth. I tried to handle this privately, but they weren't men enough to face me. Instead they tried to gaslight me." She said that Richards and his husband used her son's sexuality as an "excuse" for their alleged behaviour. "As if that justifies sexual harassment from a grown, married man ... Sexual orientation is not consent, being bi-sexual is not an invitation for grooming. My son was a minor when this began. This is sexual grooming," she shared. She said after months of prayer, she had decided to share this information on TikTok, but felt it was necessary to warn others about the dangers posed by someone with a large following. "Sometimes we wait to speak up when we feel safe and strong enough. My son lives in France now, making a case internationally has been difficult. More parts will follow because funny people can do dark things to and it's always the people you least expect. "When I found out I was shocked, angry and heartbroken ... This man knew my son was going through a hard time ... You would think he would have been supportive and encouraging, instead he crossed the line ... When my son told me what happen I didn't go public or blast it online. She ended by saying: "This was manipulation and it started slowly with calls, messages and grooming. My son never received an apology, no accountability." The mother then followed up by posting a number of screenshots of conversations which allegedly show Richards telling her son that he is "horny" and was "going to masturbate", among other conversations. The video has now gone viral, leading to various TikTok users adding their voice to the matter. Responding to one creator's opinion video, the mother replied: "💔💔Your words honestly brought me to tears. The love, the care, the strength you've shown - it means the world. Just a kindly correction I just want to share something important. My son isn't bisexual. The person who hurt him assumed he was, and when I confronted them, that was their excuse. "I told them straight: no matter your sexuality, no matter your orientation - there is never, ever a right to hurt someone. This is bigger than just our family. It's about respect, safety and the right to be who you are without fear. From the bottom of my heart - thank you for standing with us and see my son bravery ! 🙏" Lance D Richards has been contacted for comment and his comment will be added once it has been received. IOL
The Citizen
3 hours ago
- The Citizen
Award-winning documentary on HERD's Khanyisa now online
HOEDSPRUIT – South Africans finally have the chance to watch the moving and award-winning documentary Diary of an Elephant Orphan, which tells the remarkable true story of Khanyisa, a rare albino elephant calf whose fight for life captured hearts around the world. The film, directed by Hermien Roelvertvan Gils, is available locally for the first time today, World Elephant Day, via the online streaming platform Eventive. Access costs R170 and is time-limited: once purchased, you have seven days to start watching. 'In early 2020, Khanyisa was discovered in South Africa, badly injured after being caught in a wire snare. She was only three months old, alone, and entirely dependent on milk to survive. The snare had cut deeply into her cheeks and ears, leaving severe wounds that required immediate attention. She was taken to the Hoedspruit Elephant Rehabilitation and Development (HERD) Trust, South Africa's first and only dedicated elephant orphanage,' said Marlien van der Westhuizen, public relations officer and senior fundraiser. Also read: Orphaned albino elephant turns 5 at Hoedspruit rehab She said that HERD founder Adine Roode and her team faced a daunting challenge. 'Khanyisa's survival depended not only on medical care and round-the-clock feeding but also on something far less certain: acceptance into the Jabulani herd. Integrating a young orphan into a wildbonded elephant family, especially one still reliant on human feeding, had never been attempted before. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Diary of an Elephant Orphan (@diaryofanelephantorphan) 'Diary of an Elephant Orphan, released internationally in 2024, captures this extraordinary journey of care, hope, and resilience. The film has UPCOMING EVENT earned 11 international awards, including the Encounters Al Jazeera Award, Wildlife Film Festival in Rotterdam, Romford Film Festival in the United Kingdom, and multiple festivals in the United States such as Reel East, Prairie, Poppy Jasper, Ocean City, Chesapeake, Buffalo, and Catalina,' she added. W A T C H T H E T R A I L E R : But Khanyisa's story is more than one calf's survival; it is a window into a growing conservation crisis. 'Over the past decade, Southern Africa has seen a significant rise in orphaned and displaced elephant calves. This is largely due to escalating poaching, human-wildlife conflict, and the destruction of traditional elephant habitats. Calves are often found wandering alone after their mothers are killed, leaving them vulnerable to predators, starvation, and injury. HERD Trust, established in 2019, was created to give these calves a second chance. Also read: Hoedspruit's 5-year-old albino elephant weaned 'The sanctuary now cares for 16 elephants, providing them with stable social structures and the opportunity to bond with a herd. The goal is not only survival but emotional and physical rehabilitation, allowing elephants to grow in a safe environment before being fully reintegrated into a herd. In Diary of an Elephant Orphan, viewers witness the tireless dedication of the HERD carers, the patience of the Jabulani herd, and the determined spirit of Khanyisa herself. It is a rare glimpse into the emotional lives of elephants and the people who fight to protect them,' she said.
