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The Real Housewives of New York City cast just got a bit more interesting with the announcement that fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff is going to be joining the crew for Season 15. Bravo TV is really leaning into the Manhattan fashion scene, which is sure to cause a lot of drama, but it is Minkoff’s reported association with Scientology that is sure to bring quite a bit of controversy to the table.
Deadline reported on Tuesday, April 14 that the accessories designer was seen filming the latest season, but Bravo has not confirmed if she is a full-time cast member or taking on a “friend of” role. Minkoff already has a relationship with the network, though, she has been a guest judge on Project Runway over the years. However, her Church of Scientology membership is going to be hard to keep off the table on the long-running series.
Minkoff failed to discuss her association with the divisive religion in her 2021 memoir, Fearless, but The New York Times asked her about it in a profile. “I’m totally open,” she responded. “But it’s not my job to proselytize.” She practices both Judaism and Scientology, so that could be a reason for her reticence, but as any RHONY viewer knows, it’s hard to hide any secrets on the reality show. “I think there’s a lot of confusion when people hear the word ‘religion’ — immediately you hear that I pray to L. Ron Hubbard,” she told the outlet. “I study it, I take classes and that’s the extent of it, and it’s helped me stay centered. I don’t have all the answers. When I needed someone, it was a place for me to go get some answers.”
She’s gone out on a limb to defend the teachings of L. Ron Hubbard’s Dianetics, but pointed out that there is “horrific misinformation” on the internet about Scientology and she believes it’s “more of a self-improvement philosophy.” That explanation may fly in private settings, but will the women on The Real Housewives of New York City give her a pass? Fans don’t think so, and they are already tagging former Scientologist (and the church’s archenemy) Leah Remini. “I too want to know what @LeahRemini thinks about this casting,” wrote one viewer on X. “if @BravoTV introduces Scientologist Rebecca Minkoff to the show, they’ll lose a huge chunk of viewership,” added another fan. It looks like the drama has already begun!
Remini hasn’t weighed in with her thoughts yet, but she will surely have something to say amid her legal fight against the religion. This might be one of Bravo TV’s most controversial moves yet, but we have a feeling that it will pay off in the ratings — and the Church of Scientology might not mind the publicity.
Before you go, click here to see celebrities who have left the Church of Scientology.
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