Bravo, known for its reality TV shows, has recently been tapping into the New York fashion scene for its content. Jenna Lyons from J. Crew and Leah McSweeney from Married to the Mob have already appeared on the network’s “Real Housewives of New York City.” Now, Rebecca Minkoff, an It-bag artist, has also been filming for the show, although it is unclear at this point how significant her role will be in the series. There is speculation that she may become a full member of the cast for the upcoming season or be a recurring guest star.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Minkoff’s involvement in the show, news of her participation has already caused a stir in the Bravo community. Minkoff, a longtime Scientologist, has many influential friends within the controversial church. She attributes Jenna Elfman, a famous follower of L. Ron Hubbard, with jumpstarting her career by wearing one of her shirts during a 2001 appearance on “Leno.” While Minkoff is open about her beliefs, she does not see it as her responsibility to promote Scientology, as she revealed in an interview with the New York Times in 2021.
Given Minkoff’s connection to Scientology, it is likely that discussions and possibly arguments surrounding the church will feature prominently when her appearances on the show air. Additionally, a photo of Minkoff posing with fellow Scientologist Danny Masterson, known for his role on “That 70s Show” and currently serving time for rape, has begun circulating among insiders of the reality show. Bravo has chosen not to comment on the situation, leaving fans curious about how Minkoff’s presence will impact the show and its cast members.
Minkoff gained fame as a designer with her iconic Morning After Bag in the Mid-Aughts, which was popular among celebrities like Lauren Conrad, Hillary Duff, and Hayden Panettiere. Despite being a member of the Scientology community, Minkoff stands out as someone willing to openly discuss her beliefs. The fashion designer’s appearance on the show is expected to bring a fresh dynamic to the reality series, particularly in discussions surrounding her faith and connections within the church.
As Minkoff’s involvement in the show unfolds, it will be interesting to see how the cast reacts to her presence and the potential controversies surrounding her affiliation with Scientology. Bravo’s decision to include a prominent figure like Minkoff in the show reflects the network’s efforts to diversify its reality TV content. Whether she becomes a full-time cast member or a guest star, Minkoff’s involvement is anticipated to bring a new perspective and discussions to “Real Housewives of New York City,” making it a season to remember for fans and viewers alike.
