Updated
Updated · Us Weekly · May 16
Bethenny Frankel Credits Nou Shoes After 1 Day of Backlash Over Linked $375 Dupe
Updated
Updated · Us Weekly · May 16

Bethenny Frankel Credits Nou Shoes After 1 Day of Backlash Over Linked $375 Dupe

3 articles · Updated · Us Weekly · May 16
  • Bethenny Frankel responded on May 15 with an Instagram “Outfit of the Day” video, saying her shoes were from Nou after criticism that she had not credited the gifted pair.
  • The backlash flared when Frankel, 55, praised her outfit on Instagram Stories and, after a follower asked about the pumps, pointed users to a similar Bloomingdale’s pair priced at $375.
  • Lexi Ioannou, 30, founder of Nou, said she had sent Frankel the shoes nearly a year ago and accused her of wearing them repeatedly without tagging the brand while using an affiliate link for a dupe.
  • Dina Manzo, 54, amplified the complaint, calling it odd to promote a substitute instead of a young entrepreneur’s gifted product, before Frankel added, “I always give credit where credit is due.”
How can small brands survive when celebrity influencers turn gifts into competitor promotions?
Is promoting a 'dupe' over a gifted original a savvy consumer tip or a major ethical breach?
As FTC fines for influencers surpass $53,000, who now holds more risk: the creator or the brand?