Controversial Prank Sparks Tensions Among ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Cast

A prank intended as a fun test among the cast members of «The Real Housewives of New York City» has led to unexpected tensions and accusations, sparking a heated discussion on the show’s latest episode that aired on November 19, 2024. The situation arose following a fabricated story about a cast member’s alleged pregnancy, which divided opinions among the group.

Erin Lichy and a fellow cast member orchestrated the prank, claiming that fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff, 42, was pregnant but was uncertain of the father’s identity, despite being married to Gavin. The revelation of this rumor came during a dodgeball outing, causing varied reactions among the Housewives, as reported by PEOPLE.

Racquel Chevremont, a fellow housewife, expressed her discomfort, stating, «That was a really f—ed up lie,» while another cast member admitted to being «definitely worried about her.» However, Gabby and Erin attempted to laugh it off, although Sai de Silva found the prank somewhat «tone-deaf,» especially considering several women in the group were actively trying to conceive.

The controversy deepened when Brynn Whitfield disclosed to Ubah, Sai, and others at the Museum of Sex that she was aware of the prank due to information shared by Erin. She detailed how Erin had secretly informed her that Rebecca’s pregnancy claim was fictitious, leading Brynn to involve herself in the prank under the pretense of it being a harmless joke.

Racquel recalled how Erin described a «leaky pigeon» in their midst, someone allegedly spreading rumors within their group. «She wanted me to believe that you’re a leaky pigeon,» said Racquel, expressing feelings of manipulation and deceit towards Brynn, which Erin had allegedly orchestrated.

Questions surrounding the prank’s nature emerged, with some, like Ubah, theorizing it was a calculated attempt to identify who was leaking information. However, the setup backfired, leading to trust issues and speculation about the group dynamics.

As the episode unfolded, discussions between Housewives revealed distrust towards Erin’s motives, with Racquel sharing her fears of having been «gaslit.» The situation underscored the fragility of relationships within the reality TV sphere, where pranks and tests can blur lines between entertainment and personal impact.

The Real Housewives of New York City, known for its vibrant portrayal of affluent women navigating personal and social lives, airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo, with streaming available on Peacock.