Bethenny Frankel ditched The Real Housewives of New York premiere party this Wednesday, and RadarOnline.com has exclusively learned why!

“Bethenny is trying to distance herself from the show. She wants to be thought of as a business mogul and not a desperate reality star,” a source claimed. “Plus, the venue wasn’t serving Skinny Girl and if Bethenny can’t plug plug plug she doesn’t go!”

The insider confessed that while Frankel felt well enough to do press for the show the entire day, she called in minutes before the party, to say she was sick.

Meanwhile, a source close to Frankel claimed she didn't attend the fête because she was traveling to Australia to promote the show.

As RadarOnline.com readers know, Frankel, 47, promotes her Skinny Girl brand wherever she goes, and is often seen drinking it with her costars in RHONY get-togethers. While she’s usually the life of the party, she’s recently been battling a nasty custody war with her ex, Jason Hoppy, all while maintaining her on-and-off relationship with boyfriend Dennis Shields.