'Real Housewives of New York' cast news: Heather Thomson confirms exit

Heather ThomsonInstagram/ iamheathert

Last July, it was reported that Heather Thomson was leaving "The Real Housewives of New York" after spending three seasons on the hit Bravo reality show. Now, the 45-year-old star has confirmed the news, saying that she is leaving because she wants more time to focus on her business and spend time with her family. 

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight, Thomson said, "The reality of it that I just can't do it anymore. I have to focus on the things that are really, really important in my life and that's my family and business. While I'm filming the show I also am running a multi-million dollar business, and it takes away a lot of my time from the company." 

Thomson is the founder of lifestyle and fashion brand Yummie, which specializes in shapewear, slimming jeans, and activewear for women. She is no stranger to the fashion industry as she has more than 15 years of experience working with celebrities to expand their fashion brands. She was the founding director for Sean Combs' line and she also worked with Beyoncé and Jennifer Lopez to create and launch their respective labels. She is a mother to Jax, 10, and daughter Ella Rae, 8. 

Thomson told ET that her third year on the Bravo show felt like her last year on the series. She has been one of the New York Housewives since the fourth season of the show. 

"My third year I kind of figured out where I was with the women," she said.

Through all the drama and the feuding on the series, Thomson said that she has no regrets being on the show, adding that she has grown a lot throughout the whole experience. 

"They don't match you with normal people you'd gravitate toward — that's the genius of the casting," she said.

But while she's leaving "RHONY," she also said that she's open to making any future cameos or appearances on the show.