The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY) Season 15 brought exciting new faces and even more drama to Bravo fans, especially with the introduction of Racquel Chevremont. Known as an art curator, model, and now reality star, Racquel brings her unique flair and intriguing personal life to the show. As viewers get to know Racquel, her relationships —
past and present — have become hot topics, especially her previous marriage and current romance with her fiancée, Mel. Here, we explore Racquel’s journey, her relationship history, and what RHONY fans need to know about her new start.
Who Is Racquel Chevremont?
Racquel Chevremont entered the art world long before her RHONY fame. Known for her sophisticated curatorial skills, Racquel has made significant contributions to the New York City art scene. A Bronx native, she has established herself as an influential figure in the arts and culture sector, further highlighted by her role on RHONY, where her story is intertwined with a mix of personal growth, relationships, and career achievements.
Introduced to RHONY fans through Jenna Lyons, Racquel’s arrival in Season 15 marks her as one of the newest members to hold an “apple.” She joins the show alongside Rebecca Minkoff, and their stories promise to add both charm and complexity to the mix. Racquel’s connection to Jenna, who also came out later in life, helped her navigate her journey, offering a unique insight into her evolving personal identity.
Racquel’s Fiancée: Who is Mel?
A major storyline in Racquel’s RHONY debut centers on her relationship with her fiancée, Mel. Mel, a forensic neuropsychologist, briefly appeared in Season 15’s opening episode, sparking viewers’ curiosity. Their journey to becoming a couple spans over a decade of friendship, during which their connection deepened.
In the premiere episode, Racquel mentioned how she and Mel were “very single” when they started dating, yet the early days of their relationship weren’t without challenges. Their romance stirred some drama, especially since Mel had not previously been with a woman. This revelation added a layer of complexity to their relationship, making it a point of interest among fans.
Racquel Chevremont’s Relationship History: Her Ex-Husband and Beyond
Before her engagement with Mel, Racquel Chevremont was previously married. Additionally, she shared a prominent romantic and professional relationship with visual artist Mickalene Thomas, with whom she co-founded the influential art duo, Deux Femmes Noires, which translates to “Two Black Women.”
Racquel and Mickalene were together for over a decade, solidifying their impact on the NYC art scene. Despite their strong professional and personal partnership, the couple announced their split in 2020, shocking their fans. However, the two have continued to work together on art projects, maintaining a respectful professional bond.
Racquel’s Journey: Coming Out and Finding Herself
A fascinating aspect of Racquel’s life is her journey of self-discovery and her coming out story, which she candidly shares on RHONY. Like Jenna Lyons, Racquel came out in the early 2010s while navigating a divorce. Meeting Jenna during this time offered Racquel validation, as she found comfort in connecting with someone who shared her experience.
Reflecting on this challenging yet transformative period, Racquel credits Jenna as an essential support during her coming out journey. This mutual understanding has created a lasting bond between the two women, both of whom broke through societal norms to live authentically.
Life with Mel: Building a New Chapter on RHONY
After her breakup with Mickalene, Racquel found a new beginning with Mel. They quickly became inseparable, and Mel has already started to charm the RHONY cast. In Season 15, Mel appears alongside Racquel, sharing laughs and bonding moments with the other Housewives, including Brynn Whitfield, Erin Lichy, Ubah Hassan, Jessel Taank, and Sai De Silva.
Outside of RHONY, Racquel’s social media posts highlight her love and appreciation for her family, including Mel and her two children. Recently, a heartwarming Instagram post showed Racquel, Mel, and her two teens enjoying a family outing, showcasing the happiness Racquel has found in her life with Mel.
How RHONY is Showcasing Racquel’s Journey
Racquel’s arrival on RHONY brings diversity, both culturally and personally, as she represents queer women on a highly visible platform. Her story resonates with many who have faced challenges in embracing their true selves later in life. Additionally, Racquel’s journey from her marriage, her relationship with Mickalene, to her new romance with Mel reflects resilience and self-empowerment.
RHONY fans continue to see Racquel’s layers unfold with each episode, revealing her as a multi-faceted individual balancing a successful career, personal growth, and family. Her story inspires viewers, proving that it’s never too late to embrace one’s truth and start anew.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Racquel Chevremont’s ex-husband?
Racquel Chevremont was previously married before her relationship with visual artist Mickalene Thomas. However, details about her ex-husband remain private.
2. How did Racquel meet her fiancée, Mel?
Racquel and Mel were friends for over a decade before their relationship turned romantic. They became a couple after each had overcome various personal challenges and were both “very single,” as Racquel explained in her RHONY appearance.
3. Why did Racquel Chevremont and Mickalene Thomas break up?
Racquel and Mickalene ended their 11-year relationship in 2020. Although they separated romantically, they remain professionally connected and continue collaborating on art projects as Deux Femmes Noires.
4. When did Racquel Chevremont come out?
Racquel came out in the early 2010s, a transformative period in her life marked by a divorce. She found support in her friend Jenna Lyons, who was going through a similar experience, and this helped her through her journey of self-discovery.
5. How does Racquel’s fiancée Mel fit into the RHONY cast?
Mel has started appearing on RHONY Season 15 alongside Racquel, joining various group gatherings and bonding with other cast members. Although Mel was introduced briefly, fans are eager to see more of her story unfold on the show.
Racquel Chevremont’s presence on RHONY adds depth and authenticity, as she openly shares her journey with viewers. Her story of rediscovering herself, embracing her identity, and finding love again is sure to inspire fans and resonate deeply with the RHONY audience.