Rachel Zoe Opens Up About Marriage Collapse and Unusual Proposal on RHOBH
Fashion designer Rachel Zoe has provided a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the disintegration of her long-term marriage to Rodger Berman. The 54-year-old style icon spoke candidly during the latest episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, which aired on Thursday, detailing pivotal moments that defined their 33-year relationship before their 2024 separation.
The Day After a Confession: An Unexpected Proposal
During a dinner conversation with castmates Kyle Richards and Dorit Kemsley in the Hamptons, Zoe recounted a startling episode from early in their courtship. She revealed that four years into dating Berman, now 57, she confessed to having "fooled around" with a male model she described as "the most beautiful thing I'd ever seen in my life." Overwhelmed by guilt, she immediately informed Berman of the encounter.
"I told him that I fooled around with this guy, and I'm not joking, he proposed to me the next day," Zoe stated emphatically. "True story." This unexpected proposal marked a dramatic turn in their relationship, leading to their marriage in 1996.
The Breaking Point: Trust Shattered Beyond Repair
Zoe then detailed the incident that ultimately ended their marriage. After returning from designer Brian Atwood's birthday celebration, she received a phone call from Berman, who was in Aspen. During this conversation, he disclosed information that shattered the foundation of their union.
"Honestly, it's like I saw red and just hung up," she recalled. "People have always asked me over the years what's the secret to our success. The first answer was always trust. It's like, when that trust is broken, it's broken. There's no going back."
Zoe emphasized that throughout their marriage, she had never once inspected his phone or doubted his fidelity, making the breach particularly devastating. When questioned whether Berman's confession stemmed from guilt or a desire to hurt her, she speculated it might have been a combination of both, testing whether she still cared.
Security Erodes Over Time
The fashion mogul reflected on how Berman's once-unshakeable confidence gradually diminished during their final years together. She noted that friends frequently questioned how he remained secure while she worked closely with attractive male celebrities and models.
"He was always like, 'If they can get her, they can have her,'" Zoe remembered. "It worked because I never cheated on him." While admitting to occasional flirtations, she maintained these interactions were harmless and never crossed boundaries.
The Final Straw: An Unannounced Introduction
In a previous episode, Zoe disclosed the "insane" moment that prompted her to file for divorce. She described how Berman arranged an impromptu meeting to introduce their sons—Skyler, 14, and Kaius, 12—to his new girlfriend, believed to be Bree Jacoby, whom he was seen with just months after their separation.
"My kids are leaving, about to get on a plane to camp, literally she f***ing appears," Zoe exclaimed. "She's there with him, shows up and says hi to my sons. What the f***?" This incident occurred on the very day she officially initiated divorce proceedings.
Reflecting on the Relationship's Evolution
Zoe acknowledged that their dynamic shifted significantly after becoming parents. During a conversation with friend Kathy Hilton, she observed, "I think we've outgrown each other; we became very different people." The couple, who did not sign a prenuptial agreement, announced their split in September 2024, marking the end of a partnership that had captivated the fashion and entertainment worlds for decades.
Through her revelations on RHOBH, Rachel Zoe has painted a complex portrait of a marriage built on trust, tested by confession, and ultimately fractured by betrayal and changing priorities.
