This is a Real Housewives of New York City and Modern Family collaboration no one saw coming. On Tuesday, E! News reported that Bethenny Frankel is dating Eric Stonestreet [1], aka the hilarious and lovable Cam [2] on ABC's long-running sitcom. According to E!, they've actually been "enjoying each other's company casually for a few months now."
If you're wondering how serious this might be, consider that Bethenny and Eric have appeared in public together on more than one occasion. The duo got cute at the 2015 CAA Upfronts event in NYC on May 11, with Eric cuddling up to a smiley Bethenny. On May 20, the stars were spotted grabbing a meal at Locanda Verde in NYC. And then there's an Instagram Eric shared from their day in the Hamptons on May 23, showing Bethenny with fellow housewife Carole Radziwill. "Took a picture of these 2 randos today," he wrote in the caption.
After the potential pairing became a trending topic online, Bethenny jokingly addressed the chatter [3] on Twitter.
Wow #somanyboyfriendssolittletime [4] How did I manage to be at a @Dodgers [5] game & be in the Hamptons at the same time?!!! @ericstonestreet [6]
— Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny) July 14, 2015 [7]
Eric followed her lead, cracking this joke:
Hey @Bethenny [8]. Im a big fan. Can I get a follow?
— Eric Stonestreet (@ericstonestreet) July 14, 2015 [9]
"This is so dumb," a source told Us Weekly of the rumors. "They are friends and have a lot of mutual friends in the same circle. They definitely are fond of each other and like each other but it's not serious." However, another source said, "They have so much fun together," noting that "they're seeing where it goes." People's source had a similar take [10], saying, "They are hanging out. They are having fun and she likes his company."
Keep reading to see pictures of Bethenny and Eric's lunch date, then check out more surprising celebrity couples [11].
Bethenny and Eric stopped by Locanda Verde on May 20.
The stars leaned in close for a photo at the CAA Upfronts party in NYC on May 11.