It doesn’t seem like former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” OG NeNe Leakes will ever make a return to the hit TV show. Yesterday (April 20), Leakes sued the Bravo network and Andy Cohen, citing racism on set.
The popular franchise, which gifted us with witty catchphrases, massive shade and iconic moments in pop culture history, seems to have lost one of its Georgia peaches for good. Leakes — who started as an original cast member in 2008 — has filed a lawsuit claiming that the show’s executives fostered and allowed a work environment that was both hostile and racist.
The lawsuit was filed in an Atlanta federal court and alleges Kim Zolciak-Biermann — NeNe’s white former castmate — made racist remarks directed at her for years and executives did nothing to resolve the issue. Leakes is not suing Zolciak-Biermann, only stating that she dealt with discriminatory treatment from the co-star.
In the documents, Leakes names NBCUniversal, Bravo, True Entertainment, Truly Original and executive producer of the “Housewives” franchise Andy Cohen — who often invited the ladies to appear on his popular after-show to chat about episodes.
The lawsuit states that “NBC, Bravo and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not, encouraged.”
Leaks had been a fan favorite from the show’s inception in 2008 until her departure in 2020. Even after she left, with each new season fans would continue to ask for her return — longing for the chance to hear “Bye, wig” or “Bloop” again.
For now, it seems like Leakes has said what she said about the matter, and will proceed with the lawsuit. As the news of the legal battle travels, fans have responded with mixed emotions and the reality star has been trending online.
Take a look at what some are saying about the OG.