NeNe Leakes finally returned to Real Housewives Of Atlanta and she seemed overjoyed to, once again, proclaim herself queen! She’ll be appearing as a part-time Housewife throughout the season, including showing up for the cast trip to Jamaica.
NeNe very publicly left Bravo to pursue other projects – including a return to Broadway and a high-profile ABC gameshow re-make. With all of that happening, plus a gig as a commentator on Fashion Police, NeNe doesn’t want to make full-time commitment to return Real Housewives Of Atlanta as an official Housewife.
CLICK THE CONTINUE READING BUTTON FOR MORE!
According to sources, as reported by Straight From The A, Bravo is tired of NeNe vacillating and has given their highest paid Housewife an ultimatum: Either sign onto Real Housewives Of Atlanta next season as a full-time Housewife, or lose lucrative side-gigs with Bravo-affiliated networks! Bravo is owned by NBCUniversal Media, which also owns E! the network which airs Fashion Police.
“Even though there is tons of drama this year without her, with her back, it would just take the show to the next level,” reveals a source. “NeNe seems to think she is better than doing reality television and has moved on from RHOA. Going back would be a step back in her plan to become a global brand. She has a clothing line, and no longer wants to be associated with a reality show.”
RECAP: NENE REAPPEARS ON RHOA!
However – NeNe “loves being a part of Fashion Police,” and thinks it’s an important segue to promote her NeNe Leakes clothing line. Bravo has reportedly told NeNe her Fashion Police commentator gig is conditional to her return to Real Housewives Of Atlanta. “The network is ready to cut ties if she doesn’t agree to their terms,” maintains the insider. Ouch.
Undoubtedly NeNe is one of the highest profile names of the Housewives franchise – she’s channeled her appearance on the show into several lucrative gigs on network television, and obviously her widespread success benefits Bravo. NeNe has credited the show with launching her career, but has been adamant about the need to move on. In recent seasons she’s distanced herself and has called Real Housewives Of Atlanta for producer manipulation, encouraging and rewarding violence and negativity, and fake, phony women who aren’t even from Atlanta.
NeNe even resorted to sending cease and desist letters to Kenya Moore and Claudia Jordan over their comments about NeNe’s personal life. I will say, NeNe was right about ALL of her complaints! Carlos King, a long-time executive producer was fired over his constant feuding with NeNe, but also for reportedly bringing on New Housewives for the sole purpose of starting drama with her. Carlos was brought back when NeNe quit.
This season Real Housewives Of Atlanta started as promised, that with the addition of Kim Fields, its classing itself up and focusing fewer phony storylines. So far I don’t really see evidence of that, but we’re only halfway through. And reportedly the show is STILL filming additional scenes!
TELL US – DO YOU THINK NENE WILL BE BACK FULL-TIME NEXT SEASON? HAS RHOA IMPROVED?
[Photo Credit: Instagram]
