Well, it looks like Luann de Lesseps isn't the only Real Housewives of New York City star with a new man in her life. According to E! News, Bethenny Frankel is dating Dennis Shields. "They've been dating since at least the holidays," a source said. Apparently, they also went on a trip with Frankel's bestie and RHONY costar Carole Radziwill and her boyfriend Adam Kenworthy. Another source said that Shields never filmed for RHONY Season 8, but he did show up during filming, but avoided the cameras. Ever since Frankel and Jason Hoppy split, there have been many headlines about her dating life, but this one appears to be a bit more serious. So, just who is Dennis Shields?
Per E! News, Shields is a banker. The New York Post reports Shields is the CEO of LawCash, which as it's official website states, is "the nation's leading provider of litigation financing." His bio on LawCash says Shields has been CEO and the director of LawCash since it began in 2000. He also helped create the American Legal Finance Association (ALFA). From June 1996 to May 2002, he was even president and CEO of HealthShield Capital Corporation. Adding to his long list of accomplishments, Shields is also the founder and director of Esquire Bank, a full service, federally-chartered bank.
He sure sounds successful and accomplished, which is right up Frankel's alley. However, if you were to ask de Lesseps about him, she'd definitely have some words. You know how in Season 8 Frankel accused de Lesseps of having sex with married men? According to de Lesseps, Shields is married. While chatting with E! News, de Lesseps called Bethenny a hypocrite about her accusations. "She calls me a hypocrite, but really she's the hypocrite," she said. "I'm the one getting married, I'm engaged, and Bethenny's still trying to get a divorce. You know, it was in the Daily Mail... she's dating married men, not me."
If you think Frankel didn't comment about her co-stars remarks, well, think again. She took to Twitter to settle the score and said, "She's correct. I'm dating a legally married separated man-so perfect bc i'm legally married too! @CountessLuann xo." FYI, Frankel's divorce from Hoppy hasn't been finalized.
According to The New York Post, Shields is separated from his former wife, Jill Schwartzberg. Apparently, the two got married in 1990 and Schwartzberg is also reportedly Frankel's high school friend. If that isn't enough news about Bethenny's new man, The Post also reported the two are looking for a home together in New York City with help from Bravo's Million Dollar Listing New York star and realtor Fredrik Eklund.
In February, Page Six reported on Frankel and Shields. A source said, "Bethenny and Dennis have been friends for 27 years — and she did throw him a birthday party." A source also said, "Bethenny and Dennis’ soon-to-be-ex-wife have a long history" and that "he's had feelings for Bethenny for a long time." At the time of the report, Page Six reportedly reached out to Schwartzberg for comment, and an unknown person reportedly answered her phone and said before hanging up, "She’s not interested and she’s not around!"
Aside from all of the rumors, it seems like Frankel is happy with Shields. If the two really did start dating around the holidays, then he's probably the same guy she mentioned in RHONY Season 8. If you recall, during one of her interviews, she briefly commented on how she recently connected with an old friend and how great it's been going. Hmm... that sure sounds like it could be Shields.
Either way, based on these photos of Frankel and Shields holding hands around New York, it sure looks like the two are having fun as a couple.
Images: Giphy (2)
