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

Brynn Whitfield wants Bravo fans to watch The Real 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.

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

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