Reality television personality Bethenny Frankel was compelled to abruptly end her celebratory New Year's holiday in St. Barths, citing a devastating personal loss and a sudden health issue. The former Real Housewives of New York City star had planned to welcome 2025 at the exclusive Caribbean destination with her teenage daughter, Bryn Hoppy.
A Holiday Marred by Heartbreak and Health
Frankel, 55, took to Instagram on Sunday to explain her premature departure. In a detailed post, she revealed she had received "heartbreaking news" during the trip and simultaneously developed a bacterial infection on her face. The tragic news pertained to the death of her close friend and longtime makeup artist, Jasen Kaplan. According to reports from TMZ and Page Six, Kaplan, 46, died by suicide in a New York City hospital on New Year's Eve.
"Despite leaving early because of some heartbreaking news, dealing with a bacterial infection, and St. Barths being the Hunger Games of holiday socialisation, I still found moments that really mattered," Frankel wrote. She emphasised the value of the time spent with her 15-year-old daughter, Bryn, whom she shares with ex-husband Jason Hoppy.
Star-Studded Moments Before the Sudden Exit
Prior to her early departure, Frankel was seen socialising with a high-profile crowd. Her Instagram feed featured snaps from a yacht party with Lauren Sanchez, the fiancée of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. She also visited a day club where she mingled with TikTok influencer Alix Earle and shared a selfie with actor Glen Powell.
Frankel included a photo showing the noticeable red rash and bumps on her cheek from the infection. Other images captured the bikini-clad star enjoying the island's scenery before her plans changed.
Reflections on Luxury and a Hasty Retreat
Later, on TikTok, Frankel elaborated on her discomfort with the atmosphere in St. Barths during the peak season, describing an influx of billionaires and superyachts. She expressed feeling "anxiety" and a persistent "bad feeling" being around people she perceived as having "bad morals." She even questioned her own judgement, calling it "bad parenting" to have brought her daughter for a first visit during such a frenetic period.
After learning of Kaplan's death and the infection worsening, both she and Bryn decided to leave. Frankel recounted packing their bags at 4:00 a.m. and flying back to their Florida home on January 1st. "We were so happy to return home and celebrate the new year with our puppies instead of partying," she shared.
In her poignant tribute to Jasen Kaplan on Instagram, Frankel remembered him as a "one-of-a-kind gem" with infectious positive energy. "He made people feel seen, celebrated, and better about themselves," she wrote, noting he was a constant support in her life and work and adored her daughter Bryn. She concluded her post with a heartfelt message: "Rest in peace, and enjoy all the caviar and coconut cake."
