Bethenny Frankel, the former ‘Real Housewives of New York City’ star, unleashed a profanity-laced defense of Tom Brady and Alix Earle’s rumored romance, telling detractors to ‘f–k off’ and asserting that the pair are entitled to their privacy as consenting adults.
The controversy erupted after Brady, the 48-year-old NFL legend, and Earle, a 25-year-old influencer, were filmed engaging in flirtatious behavior at a New Year’s Eve yacht party in St. Barths. Videos circulating online showed the duo getting handsy and breaking away from the main group to talk privately, sparking immediate speculation about a potential relationship.
In response to the online chatter, Frankel took to Instagram on Monday to share her thoughts. ‘Let me ask you something about Tom Brady and Alix Earle. And it’s not, “Why does anyone care?” Because everyone cares,’ she began in the video. She questioned why the two aren’t allowed to do what they want, emphasizing that they are ‘two consenting adults’ with good reputations.
Frankel went on to praise Brady, describing him as ‘a legendary, disciplined athlete that is respected by his entire community and everyone he’s worked with.’ Similarly, she highlighted Earle’s success, calling her ‘a successful influencer who is showing up on time and seems to have good, meaningful friendships.’ This defense aimed to counter criticism focused on their 23-year age gap.
Interestingly, Frankel noted that within her newly-launched dating community, The Core, she typically avoids setting up matches with such significant age differences because it might not align with members seeking life partners. However, she made an exception for Brady and Earle, stating, ‘This particular case, these two people are legal, consenting adults, they come from good families, he raises good children.’
The backdrop to this rumor involves recent personal developments for both individuals. Earle confirmed her breakup from Houston Texans wide receiver Braxton Berrios after two years together, with sources citing distance issues. Brady, on the other hand, has been single since his 2022 divorce from supermodel Gisele Bündchen, who has since remarried.
According to reports from Page Six and the Daily Mail, insiders provided details about the New Year’s Eve encounter. A source told Page Six that Brady and Earle ‘were at a yacht party and met, and broke off from the larger group, talking for a lot of the night.’ Another source described it as an ‘instant connection,’ adding fuel to the romance rumors.
Frankel’s message resonated with themes of personal autonomy and pushing back against online negativity. She concluded her rant by urging followers to embrace life on their own terms: ‘Life is short. Do what you want to do, live how you want to live, live with integrity and ethics… and everyone can f–k off.’ This blunt statement underscores her stance against public scrutiny of private relationships.
The viral nature of the videos and Frankel’s response highlights the intense public interest in celebrity lives, particularly when high-profile figures like Brady are involved. While neither Brady nor Earle has directly addressed the rumors, their lack of denial and Frankel’s vocal support suggest that the speculation may persist, reflecting broader discussions about age, consent, and privacy in the digital age.
