Bethenny ‘badgered’
Ex’s new ‘stalk’ charges
Prosecutors slapped reality-TV matron Bethenny Frankel’s ex-husband with new stalking charges Tuesday — even as his lawyers asked the judge to toss the case.
Jason Hoppy (inset) was charged with two more counts of stalking — in addition to three existing stalking and harassment charges — for allegedly badgering the “Real Housewives of New York City” star with more than 160 texts and e-mails and shouting, “I will destroy you” at Frankel outside the elementary school of their 6-year-old daughter, Bryn.
Along with the charges came new details about the texts and e-mails he has allegedly showered Frankel with since their divorce was finalized last summer.
“We could have a much different relationship but you’re unwilling to shut your mouth about me and my daughter [a]nd refuse to cooperate. Balls in your court to change it. I’m happy to meet for to discuss [sic]. And you know you’re the problem. But if not I wil[l] proceed as I see fit,” Hoppy allegedly threatened in an Oct. 1 text included in the revised criminal complaint introduced in Manhattan Supreme Court.
That text came a day after Frankel asked Hoppy, whom she married in 2010 and split from in 2012, to leave her alone, prosecutors said.
After that, prosecutors say Hoppy sent Frankel more than 160 threatening or unwanted messages over several months.
The couple’s drawn-out divorce finally concluded in July 2016, just before Hoppy allegedly began badgering Frankel via text.
“Love how you [s]peak in the phone. You really have problems. Have a great weekend. [Bryn] loves me so much. It’s amazing the love a daughter has for her father and visa versa,” Hoppy texted on Sept. 30, according to the revised complaint.
Judge Phyllis Chu extended an order of protection barring Hoppy from interacting with Frankel and reminded him not to text or e-mail her.
“You have to stay away from her and [refrain] from making outreach to her. Do you understand?” Chu said. “Yes,” he replied. Hoppy had rejected a plea deal in March.
His lawyers entered a motion to dismiss Tuesday, claiming he was denied due process because prosecutors took too long to bring the case to trial.
A judge will rule on the motion during Hoppy’s next appearance, set for Aug. 8.