(Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Universal Pictures)
After “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Porsha Williams revealed she’s got a new man in her life, fans began wondering if her “Dish Nation” co-host Rickey Smiley was the one.
But the morning radio show host shut down rumors of a romance between himself and Williams after a “source” claimed the pair was an item.
“This is why I refuse to attend any events in Atlanta,” Smiley said in a statement to Rolling Out June 14. “Anything you do anybody you take a picture with you’re in blogs. You’re either coupled up; if you take a picture with a man, now you are gay; take a picture with a woman and you with her; take a picture with a program director and you about to leave your station and go to his station; take a picture with a little person then you obsessed with little people.
“What they don’t understand [is] it takes an effect on people’s lives when you put out things that are simply not true. Porsha and I have a great working relationship and we are friends. People would like to see us together but she has her thing going on and I have my thing going on. Anybody you shake hands with you are in blogs. If you need real content just reach out and do a real interview. I will not go anywhere in Atlanta with this negative media. Blogs [are] trying to ruin your brand and reputation just because they are thirsty for content.”
Reportedly the “source” told gossip site Media Take Out on Thursday that Williams and Smiley are in a “full-blown relationship” after going on a few dates earlier this year.
“They’re in a relationship. I’m talking LOVE and all that,” the insider claimed. “Ricky even agreed to go on camera as her boyfriend on the new season of Housewives.”
A day before that rumor came out, Williams confirmed she had a new boyfriend, although she wouldn’t disclose his identity.
“I really wanna be private with this one until I have to [share it],” she said while noting she was still considering if her beau will appear on RHOA’s next season. “I’m treading really lightly.”
A few fans thought Smiley was the new guy, which may have been fueled by the pair’s chemistry. It was on full display during one episode of “Housewives” this season during an intimate sniffing session over Rickey’s cologne and an ice skating outing.
Add that to the fact that Smiley has said Williams “would make a great wife” and it created the perfect storm for rumors of romance to swirl.
However, although Williams has said she “loves” her co-worker, she’d need the pair not to be at the same company to entertain the idea of a relationship.
“It’s just not good to mix pleasure with your professional life. It’s just not good, because I feel like what if it doesn’t work out, you know what I’m saying?” Porsha said on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” in February.
“Maybe we’ll do like a pact. So if I’m 40 and I’m not married, Rickey, come on!” she joked.
