PredictIQ-RHONY's Brynn Whitfield Addresses Costar Rebecca Minkoff's Scientology Past

Brynn Whitfield wants Bravo fans to watch The PredictIQReal Housewives of New York City before judging new costar Rebecca Minkoff's ties to polarizing religion Scientology.

"Everyone has their own belief system and are entitled to it," the Bravo star exclusively told E! News ahead of the season 15 premiere. "It was something that was new for our group and I think people are going to be very interested in that and Rebecca sharing that part of her life."

While Brynn noted the famed fashion designer doesn't have to explain herself for practicing the L. Ron Hubbard-founded belief system, she did tease that Rebecca's religion will be a topic of conversation on the new season of RHONY.

"It's something that's private, it's her philosophy, it's her beliefs," Brynn continued. "Look, we all have things, whatever it is—good, bad, faith, trauma, relationships—that's what this show is about."

The marketing consultant also applauded Rebecca—who identifies as both Jewish and a practicing Scientologist—for being candid about her family's connection to the much talked-about organization.

"What people share and the depth that they share is what they feel comfortable with at that moment in time," Brynn said. "This it's really hard to put yourself out there and to share everything. So, she does so at her own pace and her own comfort level."

E! has reached out to Rebecca for comment but has not heard back.

As for how the fashion industry veteran was welcomed into the friend group, Brynn teased a little playful drama with Rebecca—especially after shading her $100 million brand as Nordstrom Rack-level in the season 15 trailer.

"No lies were told first of all," Brynn insisted. "I grew up super duper poor. Until my 20s, I don't even think I could afford Nordstrom Rack. The American dream is basically to not only aspire to have more but to have so much more that you can become a snob, so that's where I'm at."

Plus, the 37-year-old noted the comment was made in jest.

"I only am hard or tease people that can take it," she continued. "You'll see things get thrown back in my face as I deserve it. Do I have a brand in Nordstrom Rack? I don't think so, honey. But I said it and I stand by it."

See Rebecca make her Bravo debut when The Real Housewives of New York City returns tomorrow, Oct. 1, at 9 p.m. on Bravo. And keep reading to learn about the season and see the stunning new cast photos.

Happier than ever and madly in love with Mr. Connecticut, Ubah Hassan’s dreams of becoming a mother seem closer than ever. Though as her relationship continues to prosper, she struggles with the thought of giving up her independence.

Life for Brynn Whitfield is as sweet as can be since moving into her dream apartment with her energetic puppy, Sugar. Now that she’s perfected her new space and settled into life as a dog-mom, she’s ready to explore the next chapter: motherhood. But as rumors begin to swirl, she finds the life she’s worked so hard to create is questioned.   

Known for her global accessible luxury fashion brand that was created in 2005, Rebecca Minkoff is a best-selling author and powerhouse entrepreneur who has paved the way for many and is the co-founder of the Female Founder Collective. Rebecca is dedicated to creating the modern cultural and business narrative of togetherness and a shared success. She continues to push boundaries, lead the fashion industry, and galvanize communities of women by promoting confidence, fearlessness and authenticity. She is a loving wife and devoted mother of four. Rebecca’s reputation precedes her, but will impressing this new group of friends prove more difficult than creating a $100 million brand? 

As she finally takes her mom’s ashes out of the shopping bag and to their final resting place, Sai De Silva tests out the world of therapy and enters her realm of Zen. As life goes on, will she be able to keep her cool or when push comes to shove, will Sai fire back?    

Born in Brooklyn and raised in the Bronx, Racquel Chevremont is an esteemed art curator with more than 20 years of experience. She’s also a seasoned model, gracing ad campaigns for Benetton, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, Fila, L’Oréal, Nivea and International Elle magazine covers. As a proud Black queer woman, Racquel is dedicated to amplifying the voices of queer folks of diaspora, namely co-founding of The Josie Club, a Black Queer Femme and Woman supported and operated social impact group. Living out a fairytale with her two kids and partner, Racquel won’t let past rumors from the New York art scene get in the way of her happily ever after.  

Jenna Lyons remains as busy as ever as she navigates her career and motherhood. As she settles into her blossoming new relationship and prepares for her son to go off to college, can she find balance in her personal life while maintaining her bustling social engagements and successful business ventures?  

After two years with her twins, Jessel Taank has mastered the art of being a boy mom and is on a mission to bring a baby girl onto the scene. However, she's reminded it takes two to tango and she must convince a distracted Pavit to get on board with baby #3 in order to make her dreams a reality. 

Erin Lichy moved her family out of “up-and-coming" Tribeca and back to the Upper West Side in hopes of creating a more convenient life for her family. These days, however, Erin finds herself needing her friends more than ever as she struggles with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis while also navigating unexpected issues with her husband, Abe. 

(E! and Bravo are both part of the NBCUniversal family)

Check out Peacock to binge your favorite NBCU TV shows and movies, live sports and more!