Jessel Taank Calls Carolyn Bessette 'Bitch' on RHONY, Radziwill Reacts

During the Tuesday night episode of *The Real Housewives of New York City*, 46‑year‑old fashion publicist Jessel Taank asked Carole Radziwill whether late style icon Carolyn Bessette was a “bitch.” The question, aired on Season 16’s first brunch, sparked immediate discomfort for Radziwill, a former journalist who had known the Kennedy family closely.

Taank later explained her line of questioning on Page Six Radio: “I don’t know Carolyn Bessette personally, so I was just curious, did she have a demeanor where she was sort of cold and maybe a little bit of a fashion diva?” She added that she may not have chosen the “B‑word” first but that offending people is what she does best.

The exchange unfolded against a backdrop of renewed interest in Bessette’s life, fueled by Ryan Murphy’s documentary *Love Story* and the continuing popularity of her minimalist style trend, “Carolyn Bessette summer.” Radziwill’s return after an eight‑year hiatus added weight to the moment, as she had been intimately connected to the Kennedy family through her marriage to Anthony Radziwill until his death weeks after the 1999 plane crash that also took Bessette and John F.

Kennedy Jr.

## Background & Context

Carolyn Bessette, who died in a plane crash with her husband, John F. Kennedy Jr., in 1999, became an enduring fashion icon known for her minimalist aesthetic. Her brother‑in‑law, Anthony Radziwill, was married to Carole Radziwill, a former journalist and best friend of Kennedy Jr.; he died of cancer shortly after the crash.

Season 16 of *The Real Housewives of New York City* marked Radziwill’s return to the series after an eight‑year break. The show premiered its first episode on Tuesday nights at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with new episodes made available the following day on Peacock.

The “Carolyn Bessette summer” trend, featuring whites, blacks and neutral tones, has been embraced by fashion houses and consumers alike. Radziwill publicly expressed that she was not a fan of the trend, describing it as a reduction of her friend to a style reference.

## Reactions to Taank’s Question

When Taank asked if Bessette was a “bitch,” Radziwill appeared visibly uncomfortable and ultimately left the brunch. Taank later said, “I understand where Carole’s coming from,” before adding, “Obviously, her best friend, who is no longer with us, in her eyes, was reduced to a trend.

But in my eyes, I was like, ‘No, we’re celebrating her.’”

Beyond the “bitch” inquiry, Taank probed whether there was a curse on the Kennedy family, . She also asked Radziwill about her thoughts on the “Carolyn Bessette summer” trend, to which Radziwill replied she wasn’t a fan.

Taank noted that the group’s curiosity was “all in innocence” and that they “didn’t know” they would upset Radziwill. She added that many on set were curious about the writer’s friendship with Bessette, especially after the release of Murphy’s documentary.

## Moving Forward on the Show

Following the episode, the cast reportedly toned down their line‑of‑question approach. Taank said, “The group stopped asking so many questions as the season progressed.” She acknowledged that earlier questions had resurfaced a lot of emotion for Radziwill, leading to greater sensitivity in later episodes.

Episodes continue to air each Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, with next‑day streaming on Peacock. Viewers can watch the full season online or on the network’s official platforms.

In sum, Jessel Taank’s probing question about Carolyn Bessette sparked a moment of discomfort for Carole Radziwill and highlighted the lingering fascination with Bessette’s legacy. The exchange underscored how personal history and public perception intersect on reality television.