Well, apparently the door isn’t closed.. at least on NeNe’s end.
In case you haven’t noticed, NeNe Leakes exited The Real Housewives of Atlanta in 2020. After starring in eleven seasons of the show, arguably becoming the franchise’s biggest star, NeNe’s relationship with the show and network soured when, in 2022, she accused Bravo, NBCUniversal, and the production team for violating federal employment and anti-discrimination laws. NeNe’s lawsuit claimed Kim Zolciak-Biermann made racist comments about her, but Bravo punished NeNe for complaining rather than Kim. While NeNe later dropped the case, the stain of marking Bravo execs as racist hasn’t disappeared, especially considering NeNe’s wild popularity and glaring absence from the show.
Last year, months ahead of filing the lawsuit — Leakes said during a visit to The Real, NeNe gave fans of the show who may be missing her presence a glimpse of hope for the first time when she told the hosts “I think Andy and I were really close for a really, really long time, and I love Benny boo, [Cohen’s son], and I helped pay for his baby shower and all those things. I think that Andy and I need to have a sit-down and talk, and then we’re off to the races.”
However, nothing came of that interview as no negotiations followed. But it seems NeNe is still more open to the idea than ever and is again putting into the universe. Leakes dished on the subject during a recent chat with the folks at TMZ, and she didn’t shy away from telling fans to “check the ratings” for the current season when it came to whether a lil’ shake-up featuring her return is needed.
When then asked if she would ever return to the beloved series, NeNe declared that she “would come back for the fans,” as they’d “love to see [her] in that position.” Honestly, she really isn’t lying. Whether you love or hate NeNe, it definitely goes without saying that her presence makes a difference on the show so I’m sure she’s missed by viewers. However, it’s also understandable why Andy Cohen and Bravo may be at a point of no return when it comes to NeNe. Cohen hinted that the door may be closed on that in his book ‘The Daddy Diaries’ which was released late last year writing, “What a sad end to a relationship with someone I adored and put on a pedestal for years.”
Well, time does heal all wounds and I honestly think NeNe may regret her lawsuit and dramatic exit from the show, so perhaps it’s possible. I think NeNe and Bravo need each other. Personally, I’d like to see another full season with NeNe and Kim Zolciak returning with the current cast. What do you guys think? Would you be here for another round with Leakes or are you saying “bye wig!”
