The Shifting Dynamics of RHONY Friendships

In the ever-evolving world of “The Real Housewives of New York City,” relationships continue to ebb and flow even when cameras aren’t rolling. During a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen,” Erin Lichy revealed some surprising developments in her relationship with former castmate Brynn Whitfield. When asked if she had seen Brynn recently, Erin disclosed that not only had they not been in contact, but Brynn had actually blocked her on Instagram. “I don’t know what I did,” Erin admitted, noting that the blocking had occurred fairly recently, well after the season 15 reunion that aired in February. When pressed by Andy Cohen about whether any other cast members—Jenna Lyons, Ubah Hassan, Sai De Silva, Jessel Taank, or Racquel Chevremont—had maintained contact with Brynn, Erin’s answer was a simple but telling “No.” This revelation suggests a complete fracture between Brynn and the entire RHONY cast, painting a picture of isolation that extends beyond typical reality TV drama.

The tension between Erin and Brynn isn’t entirely surprising given the tumultuous end to season 15. In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly earlier this month, Erin, who recently authored “She’s a Host: An Unbuttoned Cookbook for Elegant Entertaining,” expanded on Brynn’s absence from the group, explaining that she had “removed herself” from their friendship circle. When discussing Brynn’s departure from the show, which came after a particularly controversial confrontation with Ubah Hassan, Erin didn’t mince words, stating it was “definitely the right decision.” The sentiment reveals how deeply the cast dynamics were affected by the events of last season, particularly the explosive argument that occurred during a girls’ trip to Puerto Rico. What began as a nasty comment from Ubah—accusing Brynn of sleeping her way onto the show—escalated dramatically when Brynn claimed she had previously confided in Ubah about being sexually assaulted. The situation became even more complicated when Ubah denied any knowledge of this disclosure, creating doubt among the other women.

The aftermath of this conflict cast a shadow over the entire group. During the season 15 reunion, the issue came to a head when Jenna Lyons pointed out the carelessness in Brynn’s suggestion that Ubah might not have “clocked” her revelation about sexual assault. “You told us that she might not have clocked it and that felt careless,” Jenna said during the reunion, “Because we had then realized at that moment… the implication.” This comment highlights how the cast felt caught in an impossible position—trying to support a castmate claiming trauma while also questioning the inconsistencies in her story. The weight of these accusations and counter-accusations created what Erin described as a “heavy” atmosphere that left everyone wondering how they could possibly move forward. “That whole thing was so—how are we supposed to all move on from that? It was just a lot. It was too much,” Erin told Us Weekly, her words conveying the emotional exhaustion that permeated the group by season’s end.

The tension surrounding Brynn’s allegations and subsequent departure has had such a profound impact that the show is currently on hiatus—an unusual move for a franchise that typically maintains a regular filming schedule. Despite this pause, there are signs that the remaining cast members are maintaining their connections and looking toward the future. Erin confirmed that she has been spending time with “many” of her fellow Housewives since the reunion aired, suggesting that while one relationship has fractured, others have potentially strengthened. The cast’s upcoming appearance at BravoCon also indicates that, while the show may be on pause, the women remain committed to their roles as Bravo personalities and to each other. “We’re going to BravoCon. So, we’ll be there. I think we’ll be just fine,” Erin assured fans, her confidence suggesting that the show’s hiatus is temporary rather than terminal.

Looking toward the future, Erin has clear ideas about what she hopes to see if RHONY does return for another season. “I want to highlight the true dynamic that we have, which is [that] we have a lot of fun together,” she shared, emphasizing her desire to move away from the heavy drama that dominated the latter part of season 15. This sentiment suggests a yearning for the lighter, more entertaining aspects of the show—the friendship moments, the luxury lifestyle elements, and the humor that initially attracted viewers to the franchise. Her comments reflect a broader understanding within reality television that while conflict drives storylines, too much darkness can ultimately alienate an audience seeking escapism. Sai De Silva echoed this forward-looking perspective during the American Ballet Theatre 2025 Fall Gala, telling Us Weekly, “I will say that I will be at BravoCon, but other than that, we have no news, so TBD. But there will be a show, for sure.” Her certainty about the show’s future, despite the lack of official confirmation, indicates confidence in the remaining cast’s ability to carry the franchise forward.

The current situation with “The Real Housewives of New York City” illustrates how reality television relationships can be simultaneously authentic and complicated. The block on Instagram—a modern gesture of disconnection—speaks volumes about the real feelings between former friends who once shared their lives on camera. At the same time, the cast’s willingness to continue appearing together and representing the show demonstrates the complex nature of these professional-personal relationships. As they prepare for BravoCon and potentially another season, the women of RHONY find themselves at a crossroads: acknowledging the serious issues that led to their current hiatus while also trying to recapture the fun, friendship, and fabulousness that made the show a staple of reality television. Whether they can successfully navigate this balance remains to be seen, but their determination to move forward together—minus one former member—suggests that there are still plenty of stories to be told in the concrete jungle where these housewives make their home.