NeNe Leakes has officially accused Bravo, Andy Cohen, and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” production of racism in a new lawsuit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former reality star alleges they created a hostile and racist work environment. The suit names NBCUniversal, “RHOA” production companies, True Entertainment and Truly Original, and other executives as defendants.
It also states that “NBC, Bravo, and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated; if not encouraged.” She alleges she reported years of racist remarks from former ‘RHOA’ Kim Zolciak-Biermann.
Leakes and Zolciak-Biermann were two of the first OGs from the Atlanta franchise of the Bravo series, which aired in 2008. The suit notes several incidents and statements involving Zolciak-Biermann that “perpetuated an offensive stereotype about African-Americans.” It suggests that unheard complaints of racism led to Leakes being forced out of “RHOA” in 2020.
Zolciak-Biermann also allegedly made “racially offensive and stereotypical” comments about the home of fellow “housewife” Kandi Burruss and referred to her Black cast members using the word n—a after a dispute.
The Hollywood Reporter obtained a statement from Leakes’ lawyer David deRubertis. He said, “From the day the series began filming, NeNe was the target of systemic racism from co-star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, which was tolerated by Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen and other executives.”
Over on The Shade Room’s Instagram, fans expressed have mixed reviews about Leakes filing the lawsuit, inclduing some who said she caused the hostility on “RHOA.” Many questioned why Leakes endured these conditions for nearly 15 years.
One person asked, “Now Nene, you stayed on the show and stacked your coin for fifty-eleven years but now the racism forced you off the show??”
Another said, “Couldn’t be that hostile you stayed.. came back.. and would’ve stayed again had they not gave you the boot.”
A third said, “So she stayed for 12 seasons and is suing now?”
A handful hinted that Leakes was low on funds and needed a new source of income since she no longer appears on the show. One person said, “Tell me your coins is getting low without telling me.” Another asked, “Everybody tryna get money, huh?”
Others believe the 55-year-old should be compensated for working in a hostile environment. Using T.I.’s famous catchphrase, one person wrote, “Run her coins expeditiously.” Another said, “The show died without her anyway.”
In defense of Leakes, fans who have watched “RHOA” for years brought up Zolciak-Briermann’s former assistant, Sweetie Hughes, who appeared between 2009 and 2012. She was called a “slave” and accused of stealing money from the reality star.
One person said, “Bruh, Kim did use to be reckless. Remember how Kim was toward her ‘assistant’? What was her name? Sweetie? Smh.”
