This spring, Bethenny Frankel was a guest speaker at a conference for women entrepreneurs. Several attendees claimed that Bethenny told the women of color in the audience that they should get a white male spokesperson for their business. Bethenny denies saying this, however the company that held the conference apologized on her behalf without getting into the specifics of what was said. We know that Bethenny has complained about store employees speaking Spanish, and we know that she’s a Trump supporter (although she hasn’t weighed on his p-ssy grabbing comments), so it’s entirely believable that she would say that. That’s what came to mind when I read her latest comments about how she doesn’t see gender.

On being the only woman in a boardroom: “I truly don’t see gender. I don’t think about it. Being in a boardroom with all men and one woman doesn’t really phase me. And I think women going into business should put the question of gender out of their minds. Good ideas are heard, passion and drive and hard work are rare, no matter who you are.”

On making sacrifices for business: “Women need to have a real understanding of how much work it takes to start a business before they dive in….Having a daughter means that if there’s a school play or if my daughter is sick, then I’m home with her. The last time my daughter was sick, I stayed home and canceled everything, and the one meeting I had was here at the house. But I’ve earned that right and flexibility because of where I am now. In the beginning, that wouldn’t have been possible.”

[From Motto.Time.com]

This reminds me of a clueless white person saying “I don’t see color.” Don’t get me wrong, I’m a clueless white person but I know that I see color and I’m trying to become more aware of that and be more open to learning instead of denying it entirely. Gender bias definitely exists, the wage gap exists, and women fight against it every day. Does she not see the problem when she’s in a boardroom and she’s the only woman? It’s like Bethenny is saying sexism doesn’t exist because she doesn’t think if affects her and she refuses to acknowledge her own bias. Also, while Bethenny may say she doesn’t see gender, she did tell women of color to get a white male spokesperson for their businesses, which would suggest she sees and notices both color and gender in her business dealings. I guess she’s talking about not putting limitations on herself by refusing to see gender, but that doesn’t seem to apply to other people.

Also, this is how she denied that incident, by saying that women have to be better than men. So if she doesn’t see gender, how does that work exactly?

Someone wanting fame vs working hard. My brand is “practical solutions for women,” my mantra”be better than the men” https://t.co/jwxSUAuNhR

— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) April 15, 2016

I don’t care what color or sex you are. The key to success is not bottom feeding just good old hard work,passion & drive.

— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) April 14, 2016

Photos credit: Pacific Coast News and FameFlynet

Here are some more photos of the Duchess of Cambridge in the Netherlands yesterday. She just did a day trip, knocking out four different events in one day and flying back to Britain on a regular commercial flight. Considering how much the Cambridges love their private planes and taxpayer-funded helicopter rides, I’m sure the fact that Kate had to fly commercial to and from the Netherlands must hurt a little bit. It must also hurt that Kate had one of the Queen’s handlers with her for the trip. The Queen’s Private Secretary Sir Christopher Geidt was along for the trip, and that goes a long way towards explaining why Kate wore a pencil skirt instead of a flouncy skirt with no hem-weights and why Kate wore her hair back: the Queen was spying on Kate and Geidt was reporting back to the Queen on every hair toss and flash.

I’m sure Sir Christopher Geidt was also there to keep an eye on one of the Queen’s favorite pair of earrings. You see, Kate borrowed the Queen’s diamond-and-pearl drop earrings for the Netherlands trip. Doesn’t Kate have her own pearl earrings, one might wonder? Yes, she does. But those earrings aren’t the Queen’s earrings. And Kate – ever mindful of the photo-op – wanted to wear earrings to “match” the famous Johannes Vermeer painting, Girl with a Pearl Earring. Kate made sure to stop by the painting specifically and waited for photographers to get the shot at the Mauritshuis museum.

Embed from Getty Images

According to the Telegraph, Kate said it was a “real treat” to see the painting in person and while Kate didn’t mention her borrowed earrings, she did specifically ask about the Colin Firth-Scarlett Johansson film and if the painting is more popular because of it. Kate was also particularly keen to see The Goldfinch, which makes me wonder if Kate has managed to get through the Donna Tartt novel (I have not been able to, so it would impress me if Kate was able to).

What else? No one will say if Kate discussed Brexit with anyone in the Netherlands, but I think it’s a pretty good bet that she did not, probably because… she doesn’t really care? I mean, does she care? Eh. She also spent time on a walkabout, and she shook a lot of hands but she “declined requests for selfies.”

The helmet hair, my God.

Photos courtesy of WENN, Getty.

Here are some photos from this past weekend’s Rome premiere and premiere-party for The Young Pope, the new ITV series starring Jude Law as a terrible young fictional pope. The story is supposed to be like House of Cards-goes-to-the-Vatican, wherein everyone loves the handsome young pope but it turns out he holds the same terrible, arch-conservative ideas as everybody else in the Vatican. To promote the series, Jude gave a really interesting interview to the Telegraph, which you can read here. He chats about the role, filming in Italy, the paparazzi and more. The best section is where he’s talking about Brexit, I think. Some highlights:

The Vatican approves of this series: “It isn’t trying to shock. It would be more shocking if Lenny was having rent boys up to the Vatican and smoking pot. But he’s not. He’s a conservative. In fact, he’s a prude. He’s homophobic, he’s anti-divorce, he’s anti-abortion and all those things are in the scriptures. He’s standing up for things we know are questionable within the rules. It’s more about a man trying to rein in and understand his own crisis of faith.”

His own religious beliefs: ‘I went through this phase, I remember, sort of dipping into Buddhism and spirituality, if you know what I mean. But it’s very interesting, our relationship with the Church, even if you’re not religious. One aspect of it that I really took away from this experience was its theatricality. It’s like the birthplace of theatre, with its love of costumes and scriptures and lights and sets.’

Conservative faith anywhere is terrifying: ‘There is something terrifying about conservative faith, as we all know, as we are all experiencing and seeing. I think it’s important not to lose our heads. But at the same time, it’s certainly moving in a direction that I find distasteful and uncomfortable. Anything that divides as opposed to bringing us together is worrying.”

How he feels post-Brexit: “I had a couple of weeks of serious depression post-Brexit, if I’m honest. I was stunned that I clearly lived somewhere where I didn’t know what half the population felt. And initially, there was a sense of anger at that, then I thought: “This is actually a sad situation, this is something we have to do something about.” How do we understand and reshape this country? How do we move forward? If it becomes an “us and them” situation, it will only underline the problems we already have. I had to reflect on the fact that the country felt so divided, more of a sense of, “Good Lord!” I don’t think anyone saw it coming and it felt suddenly like I was alienated in my own country. I didn’t understand what the country was obviously feeling and going through, that it was in such an extreme state, and that upset me. I think being British is something I’ve always held dear. Certainly being a Londoner. I’m not a great patriot, but I’m certainly someone who feels English out there on the international market. And it just left me feeling confused, I suppose. Separated somehow.’

Whether he thinks of leaving Britain: ‘Yeah, that’s always flashing through my brain. But I never have. In my early 30s, late 20s, when my marriage and my family were very young, I remember discussing uprooting and going travelling. We always get a bit disgruntled about where we live for a while, but then in reality, where would I go? Maybe in the next 20 or 30 years I’ll find somewhere. At the moment, I’m thinking of moving out of London rather than out of Great Britain. We’ll see; it’s not going to happen at the moment. The kids are still at school.’

[From The Telegraph]

It’s interesting how the Brexit debacle has mimicked the Donald Trump phenomenon in America. I think most of us understood that when we elected Barack Obama in 2008, of course there was going to be a backlash because that’s the political/social reality. But who among us could have predicted that the backlash to eight years of a moderate-progressive Democratic presidency would be the unhinged monster Donald Trump? That’s what moderate-progressive people feel in Britain about Brexit: “do I even know my own country?” and “I thought we were better than this as a nation.”

Also: I will give Jude $10 if he stops wearing drop-crotch parachute pants.

Photos courtesy of Fame/Flynet.

When you think of George Clooney, where do you think of him? I think of him as Mr. Hollywood, Mr. Los Angeles, and then secondarily I think of him at Lake Como, Italy. I’ve never really associated him with New York, because I think he’s only lived in New York a few months at a time for work. But his wife has lived in New York – before they ever met, Amal lived and worked in New York for a year or two, I think. She has good friends in New York, she has a lot of job opportunities there (teaching and working at the United Nations) and she seems to be more of a New York/London person. So, long story short, I guess George and Amal are moving to New York?

George Clooney and wife Amal have bought permanent digs in New York — sources exclusively tell Page Six — at luxury apartment building One Hundred East Fifty Third Street. The skyscraper from developer Aby Rosen and starchitect Norman Foster’s Foster + Partners is expected to be completed next year.

A source told us, “The high-profile couple did not purchase the penthouse, but instead opted for a high-floor residence in the upcoming building.” The two-floor penthouse in the condo building, with 94 units, is going for $65 million.

Among active listings at the building, the next highest-floor apartment for sale is a 49th floor, 3,385-square-foot, full-floor apartment for $14.75 million — which includes three bedrooms and 3?¹/? bathrooms, direct elevator access, “a grand entry gallery” and a “spacious great room with dramatic northern, western and eastern exposures” with “floor-to-ceiling windows and nearly 11-foot ceilings.” That unit also includes a “private corner master bedroom suite with southern and eastern exposures .?.?. with a grand dressing room and a tranquil five-fixture en suite bathroom with sweeping city views.” Apartments at the building start at $2.6 million.

A source said the couple opted for the building because of its design and amenities, and because it is close to the United Nations for Amal, a renowned human-rights lawyer, who is also teaching at Columbia Law School.

French chef Joël Robuchon is occupying the first two levels of the building with a gourmet marketplace and a fine-dining restaurant. The building also includes “hotel-like amenities,” including “a wellness facility, 60-foot sunlit swimming pool, sauna and steam room, yoga and pilates rooms” and a library.

Clooney — who usually stays at the Carlyle when he’s in town — and his pal and partner in Casamigos Tequila, Rande Gerber, sold their twin Mexican villas this year. Clooney also owns a Studio City, Calif., home, a Lake Como, Italy, retreat and a 17th-century mansion in England with Amal. A rep for Clooney didn’t get back to us.

[From Page Six]

If that read as an advertisement for the building, that’s because it probably was. Doesn’t mean it’s true… or false. I would be willing to bet that George and Amal do want a place in New York, mostly for her work, because she doesn’t want to live out of a hotel. But I’m not sure if they’re scooping up a property that sounds hyper-modern – you can see more about the building here. That doesn’t seem like either of their tastes. It sounds like Brad Pitt’s architectural taste. George probably wanted an apartment at one of the historical buildings, like the Dakota. In any case, I bet George will spend as much time at this apartment as he spends in their completely refurbished English mansion. Which is to say, barely any time at all.

Photos courtesy of WENN, Fame/Flynet.

The new season of The Bachelor hasn’t even filmed yet and already it’s star, Nick Viall, has banged one of his intended. Nick was the runner-up on both season ten and season nineteen of The Bachelorette and appeared with former nemesis Josh Murray on season three of Bachelor in Paradise. Running out of bachelor-related options, Nick agreed to be season twenty-two’s front man. On the first day of shooting, the young ladies trotted out and whoops – one of them had already slept with Nick at a wedding. Here’s the shocker – being the stand-up guy Nick seems to be, he never called his hook up after they did the deed.

It’s probably safe to say she won’t be getting the First Impression Rose. Nick Viall hooked up with one of his contestants from the forthcoming season of The Bachelor long before the show was ever filmed, a source exclusively tells Us Weekly.

“During the first day of taping, all of the girls came out, and he actually had slept with one of them at a wedding and never called her again,” the insider tells Us.

Neither of the onetime bedmates acknowledged their past sexual encounter after reuniting on set, the source adds.

A second insider says Viall told producers that he “didn’t want any girls on the show that he already knew or had a date with” because he felt “it was a waste of a person being there.”

[From Us Weekly]

Without knowing the inner workings of the highly complex Bachelor guidelines, I kind of assumed nobody wanted people they’d already dated as contestants. Isn’t that the point, that no one else worked out so they’re now selecting from a network-approved pool of people? Is it weird that I am slightly impressed he recognized her? Even though neither admitted their prior dalliance on air, when the cameras weren’t rolling, Nick made his feelings about the situation know to the producers, saying, “That’s so f__ked up.” You know what they say, Nick, karma is a dish best served on a reality tv show.

Another story coming out of the Bachelor filming is that one of the episodes will focus on a Backstreet Boys concert in LA. In it, Nick and his gaggle will dance on stage with the band. Unfortunately, the contestants weren’t given much time to learn the choreography. According to Backstreet Boy, A.J. McLean, “I felt really bad for the girls because we only gave them 30 minutes to learn that whole dance routine, and the fear of God came over all of those girls’ faces.” It’s pretty hard to look sexy when terrified.

Let’s take bets as to how many “Viall” and “re-Vialled” puns will be made this season.

Photo credit: WENN and Fame/Flynet Photos

Kevin Hart is always running around, whether it’s touring the country doing stand-up, working on the reboot of Jumanji or launching a new digital VOD network called Laugh Out Loud. The 37-year-old actor and comedian has also become an advocate for the sport of running – and wants his fans to lace up their sneakers and hit the road with him.

Kevin, who graced the cover of Men’s Fitness last month, is one of two cover models for the 50th anniversary issue of Runner’s World magazine, which hits newsstands on October 18. The magazine features six covers, three with Kevin and three of Olympic runner Alexi Pappas. Both recreate iconic looks from the running booms of the 70s and 80s as well as a contemporary look. I personally think Kevin rocks that Kid ‘n’ Play hi-top fade.

Inside of the magazine, Kevin admits that he runs two to three miles a day, but doesn’t consider himself an athlete, saying his goal is to “bridge the gap between what we consider a pro athlete and that person that doesn’t consider themselves to be an athlete at all.” He hopes having his fans see him out getting fit can serve as an inspiration for them to hit the road to fitness. He told the magazine, “I’m not getting rewards or accolades for running, but if I show people that you can do this at the highest level for you, then I think it becomes contagious.” He went on to say something I need to get embroidered on a pillow:

A lot of people think to themselves, ‘Well, I’m not a runner.’ I just feel like there’s no such thing; you are what you say you are. So in my mind, I am a runner now. I love to run. Who stops me from giving myself that title? I embrace it and I wear it proudly.

[From Runner’s World via People]

Amen, Mr. Hart. I started running in 2006 (with 2 bad knees, mind you) and since then, I’ve run over 25 half marathons and countless 5 and 10K races. It is definitely contagious and really rewarding.

Kevin may not have received any rewards or accolades for his running (yet), he did recently receive a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. On Monday Kevin, joined by his new wife Eniko Parrish, daughter Heaven, 11, and eight-year-old son, Hendrix, received the 2,591st star on the famed walk. Rapper Ice Cube was on hand, as was Halle Berry, who has a cameo in Kevin’s upcoming concert film, What Now?, which will be released this Friday. If you have 50 minutes to spare, you can watch the whole ceremony. Kevin shared photos of the honor on Instagram, posing with his star.

Hard work pays off….This is just the beginning people. I’m inspired & motivated to do so much more. The last name HART will have a powerful meaning when it’s all said and done!!!! The road to making the world laugh continues….Let’s make History this weekend damn it!!!! #WhatNow #comedicrockstarshit #DopePic #4DaysAway

A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Oct 10, 2016 at 5:01pm PDT

He also posted a photo with his family, expressing, “Words can’t explain the feeling that I have right now…..God is good. look momma I made it.”

Words can’t explain the feeling that I have right now…..God is good. look momma I made it. #Harts #Blessed #WhatNow #comedicrockstarshit #4DaysAway

A photo posted by Kevin Hart (@kevinhart4real) on Oct 10, 2016 at 1:57pm PDT

I love Kevin’s stand-up, his non-concert movies…not so much, but I really admire his commitment to fitness and his efforts to encourage others to get off the couch and improve their cardiovascular health. I do think most of his fans will be spending at least part of their time this weekend sitting in a theater though because What Now? looks like it’s going to be a scream. I’ll be taking a little time off the road to check it out myself.

Photo credit: WENN.com, Art Streiber/Runner’s World

They’re with her!

E.T. star Drew Barrymore posted a photo of daughters Olive, 4, and Frankie, 2, with Democratic presidential hopeful Hillary Clinton.

“Live in FL, PA, OH, or MI? Grab every single person you know and make them register to vote by TODAY at IWillVote.com LINK IN BIO TO GET TO THE I WILL VOTE.COM thank you !!!!! (And yes! These are my little angels meeting the first woman we got to go and vote for!) #girlsrule,” the Riding in Cars with Boys star, 41, Instagrammed the image of her daughters donning matching outfits while meeting Clinton.

On Monday, we spotted fellow actress and celebrity mom, an expectant Natalie Portman, campaigning for Clinton.

Last month, Barrymore shared a snapshot with her daughters feeding a horse.

After filing for divorce on July 15, the mom-of-two is already divorced from the girls’ father Will Kopelman.

Live in FL, PA, OH, or MI? Grab every single person you know and make them register to vote by TODAY at IWillVote.com LINK IN BIO TO GET TO THE I WILL VOTE.COM thank you !!!!! (And yes! These are my little angels meeting the first woman we got to go and vote for!) #girlsrule

A photo posted by Drew Barrymore (@drewbarrymore) on Oct 11, 2016 at 10:24am PDT

Congratulations are in order for Jesse Eisenberg and Anna Strout.

The Social Network star, 33, and his longtime love are expecting their first child, E! News reports.

The couple – who dated for 10 years from 2002 to 2012 – are back together again and expecting their first child.

They first met on the set of The Emperor’s Club, where Strout worked as a crew member and assistant.

Congratulations to the Strout-Eisenberg family!

Damage control: always an excellent reason to get married (Dlisted)

Julia Roberts, soccer mom (Just Jared)

Kate Winslet’s marriage rumours (Cele|bitchy)

Gavin Rossdale makes it sound like people keep wanting to know why. WE ALL KNOW WHY. (TooFab)

Princess Kate, the politician?…

Sarah Michelle Gellar wishes Michelle Trachtenberg a Happy Birthday, but what interested me here is her take on makeup, because I agree with it. As I get older, I wear less and less.

#happybirthday @michelletrachtenberg It’s obvious to all of us, that you have fou…