Bravo network would be nothing without Nene Leakes. She literally carried the network for seasons. Since parting ways with The Real Housewives of Atlanta franchise, she has decided to sue the network, the production company, and show executive, Andy Cohen, for allegedly fostering a toxic and racist work environment. While I am not negating Nene’s experiences, was it the best decision to sue? And was it the best decision to sue now?
I was so invested when The Real Housewives of Atlanta premiered in 2008. The immediate stand out star was Nene Leakes. She was a tall, bodacious woman, who was denied entry into Sheree’s party in the premiere episode. While viewers create their personal affinities for each housewife, Nene and Kim were the breakout stars. Their friendly shade was TV-worthy. There was nothing better than hearing “Close your legs to married men” as we watched the reunion.
Nene, Kim, Chicken & Roaches
Kim Zolciak is often applauded for her ability to hold her own as the sole white woman on an all Black woman cast. But there were a number of incidents that took place during her tenure on the show that could be viewed with racial undertones. In season 1, Kim said she didn’t want to “sit around with Nene and eat chicken”. Kim also showcased her assistant Sweetie in season 2 to ward off viewer comments of her alleged racism. Sweetie is called Kim’s slave when the two get into an argument.
When going to Kandi’s two-property estate during season 2, Kim said she need to lock all her doors because she was in the “ghetto”. In season 4, Kim skipped out on the Africa trip, which led to Black Baby Gate. In season 10, Kim went on a rampage against Nene for having “roaches” (water bugs) in her house. This final straw, and the accusation of being racist, ultimately led to Kim vowing to never return to the franchise.
Although Kim often presented as a Bimbo, I believe that was her just presenting a character. There is no way that a white woman, living in the south, is unaware of the racial implications that exists when mentioning Black people and chicken, or even roaches. Even more so, being a cast member of this show is common across the board. You attend the planned events, you go on the trips, you attempt to showcase that you are a friends all for the sake of work. Kim had such a lenient work schedule that she was able to come and go as she pleased and missed out on numerous cast trips. Kim would have been fired if she were a part of any other franchise.
To Sue or Not To Sue?
While some of the aforementioned incidents are not all on Kim, I understand Nene’s sentiments that production let much of Kim’s harmful behavior go unnoticed and unchecked. Nene is making the allegations that her time on The Real Housewives of Atlanta was a toxic work environment. Atlanta is often placed under much more scrutiny than other franchises. We are also seeing this same scrutiny being placed on The Real Housewives of Potomac. There is no coincidence that these are both the predominately Black franchises. We have watched the countless incidents on New Jersey (Teresa flipping tables), New York (Ramona — that’s all that needs to be said), and Beverly Hills (Lisa Rinna has said many questionable things), that have resulted in simple slaps on the wrist. Yet, much more is expected from the Black housewives.
While I do think Nene is valid in her decision to sue, I don’t think she has the most credible case. She has had several public appearances where she said she would have been willing to return to the show. She was also seen reconnecting with Kim Zolciak. This case seems to be a retaliation attempt. She is upset that her and former bestie Andy could not seem to reconcile. Also, the timing of filing suit just two weeks before the season 14 premiere seems sketchy. If things would have went the way that Nene wanted, none of this would be happening.
If she would have gotten some of her former cast mates to support her, or even other housewives from former franchises, she would have had a potential chance. But in true Nene fashion, she took a selfish approach that will ultimately black ball her from ever returning to the show, or the network. Her constant issues with Kandi, and her latest spin-off, signaled some unnecessary jealously. Nene is my favorite housewife. There is no other housewife, or reality star, that has left such a huge digital imprint. From gifs to sound bites, Nene clips will live on forever. While the housewives stan in me wants to see her return to my screen, I think those days may be over. She was spotted filming something with the most random cast. I know it will not compare to her years on RHOA.
