Bethenny Frankel Defends Her Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Show Appearance: 'I'll Do Whatever I Want'

The 55-year-old former reality star didn't hold back when addressing backlash over her recent runway debut.

Bethenny Frankel walked in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway Show in Miami this past weekend, joining a diverse lineup of models for the event. The appearance quickly drew criticism from some observers who questioned whether she was the right fit for the show.

Rather than stay silent, Frankel took to TikTok on Tuesday to share her perspective on the experience and clap back at detractors. She emphasized what drew her to participate in the first place.

"It is so fun because of the women, it's just all shapes, sizes, heights, ages, races, backgrounds … just amazing women," she said in the video.

The former Real Housewives of New York cast member made clear she wasn't aiming to compete as a traditional model. "I'm not going to try to be a model. I'm just going to be me and have fun," she explained.

Frankel acknowledged the age-related commentary surrounding her participation, noting that the conversation hadn't bothered her until recently. "Now I know how old I am," she said. "I didn't think about it until last year when everyone made such a big deal about it."

When it came to those questioning whether someone her age should be walking in a bikini, she was direct: "Why [do it]? Because I'll do whatever the f—k I want."

She then addressed specific criticisms about her physique, pushing back against the notion that she should have spent months in intensive training to prepare. "I've told you f—king 27,000 times … I don't work out and I don't want to," she said. "I walk. So was I going to do squats for six months? No. Because I'm not that vain."

Frankel wrapped up her message on a positive note, emphasizing her emotional state: "I'm happy. People are allowed to be happy."