As The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills Season 15 reunion approaches its explosive conclusion on Bravo, newcomer Amanda Frances—the self-proclaimed “Money Queen”—is facing renewed scrutiny over the very empire that landed her a diamond.

While Frances has built a multimillion-dollar brand teaching women to “manifest” wealth through online courses, a growing number of former clients say the price tag wasn’t just financial—it came with crushing debt, regret, and the sinking feeling they were bankrolling the star’s lavish Malibu Barbie lifestyle.

“I funded her lifestyle for no reason,” one ex-client told reporters, echoing a sentiment now rippling across social media.

Six-Figure Losses and Shattered Dreams

Jessica, a 45-year-old registered nurse from California, poured six figures into Amanda Frances Inc. courses over several years. The breakdown, according to her account: roughly $40,000 charged to credit cards and another $40,000 withdrawn from her retirement savings.

“I was like, I can take this course and make a sh*t-ton of money, and achieve more of my vision-board goals, like living in a bigger house or on the beach,” Jessica recalled. Instead, she described the experience as falling into a “black hole.”

She is not alone.

Another former student, Jenna, spent $2,000 on Frances’ programs during a vulnerable period. She soon found herself $10,000 in debt.

“When you’re vulnerable, you find things you wouldn’t ever normally look at and think, Maybe this will help,” Jenna said. “I just kind of followed her. I was like, I just won’t think about money, I’ll spend and spend and spend.”

Multiple women have come forward anonymously in recent weeks, describing similar patterns: high-pressure sales funnels, repeated upsells, and courses heavy on mindset and manifestation but light on concrete business strategy. Some reported feeling “brainwashed” into believing that questioning the methods meant they were blocking their own abundance.

The Price of “Money Mentality”

Frances’ catalog features a tiered system designed to keep clients climbing. Entry-level digital courses often start at several hundred dollars, but her signature programs and high-ticket masterminds routinely run into the thousands—with some top-tier offerings reaching $20,000 to $47,000 or more for year-long coaching intensives, VIP access, and live events.

Repeat buyers are common, which Frances cites as proof of value. Yet critics argue the model preys on hope.

One woman who launched her own law firm after taking the courses still described them as teaching participants to “brainwash yourself into believing in yourself”—a tactic she now views as emotionally manipulative rather than empowering.

Former clients say the messaging is seductive: visualize your dream life, spend like it’s already yours, and the money will follow. For some, it led to real business launches. For others, it led to financial ruin.

Amanda Frances’ Defense: “Value Exchange,” Not Exploitation

In a recent interview with The Cut published April 30, Frances pushed back hard against the growing backlash.

“It’s really hard to run a business if you believe you’re taking people’s money,” she said. “I believe that there’s a value exchange. People who value my work pay for it again and again and again. And if they didn’t like it, we wouldn’t have repeat buyers.”

She has repeatedly stated that she never advises clients to go into debt. “I can’t stop them, but that’s never been my advice,” Frances explained.

The 41-year-old coach, who escaped what she describes as a controlling religious cult in her early 20s, often frames her own story as one of transformation—from broke and traumatized to Malibu mansion owner. She has openly celebrated her “Barbie dream” aesthetic, complete with the pink-and-gold branding that now feels tone-deaf to some critics.

Since joining RHOBH, her visibility has skyrocketed. She has leaned into the controversy, even launching merchandise that reads “Scam Artist + Cult Leader” on $37 iced-coffee glasses—a tongue-in-cheek move she says is about “taking her power back.”

Yet for the women who say they drained savings and maxed out cards chasing the same dream, the merch feels like salt in the wound.

RHOBH Fame: Business Boom or Backlash Catalyst?

Castmate Bozoma “Boz” Saint John famously labeled Frances’ business “woo-woo” during the season, sparking the first wave of public complaints. Now, as the reunion airs, more voices are emerging online.

Supporters—some of whom credit Frances with helping them build six- and seven-figure businesses—argue that mindset work isn’t a magic wand and that personal responsibility matters.

One satisfied client, Carley Greiner, transitioned from teaching to running a successful hypnotherapy business and defended the coach publicly.

But the chorus of regret is growing louder, especially as screenshots of aggressive sales emails and customer testimonials circulate alongside luxury photos of Frances’ Bel-Air mansion (once owned by Kyle Richards) and beachside photo shoots.

The Bigger Question

As the dust settles on Season 15, the Amanda Frances controversy has ignited a larger conversation about the $2 billion+ online coaching industry. When does “manifestation” cross into emotional manipulation? Who is responsible when vulnerable buyers spend money they don’t have on intangible promises?

Frances maintains that 95% of her 21,000+ clients across 100 countries are satisfied repeat customers. For the minority speaking out now, that statistic offers little comfort.

One ex-client summed it up bitterly: “I didn’t manifest wealth. I manifested debt—and helped her manifest a Barbie dream home in the process.”

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills reunion concludes Thursday, May 7 at 8/7c on Bravo. Frances has not commented on the latest wave of ex-client stories beyond her earlier remarks.

Names of some customers have been used with their permission as reported in prior coverage; others requested anonymity.