It’s official! Media personality and attorney Eboni K. Williams has officially joined the cast of Bravo’s “The Real Housewives of New York City.” Williams will be the first Black cast member in the show’s 13-year history, according to TMZ, which first broke the news.
“NYC is filled with successful and dynamic Black women. I’m excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife,” she said in a statement on Oct. 8. “Can’t wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before. Anyone who’s aware of my work knows I don’t hold back. I’m going to keep it just as real here as I do everywhere else.”
The attorney will be joining Luanne de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Leah McSweeney and Sonja Morgan.
Williams is currently the host and executive producer of “REVOLT Black News” and co-host of “State of the Culture,” both part of Diddy’s REVOLT TV network. The 37-year-old also has hosting credits on Fox Sports, Fox News Channel, NBA 2K and more.
Before appearing on television, the North Carolina native and proud Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority member earned her law degree at Loyola University New Orleans College of Law. After receiving her Juris Doctor degree, she specialized in family law and civil litigation. Williams also clerked for Louisiana’s secretary of state and the state’s attorney general, making her a powerhouse on the reality show. In 2017, she released her book “Pretty Powerful: Appearance, Substance & Success,” in which she explored and rejected the narrative that beauty and power must be mutually exclusive and encouraged women to embrace their beauty as empowerment.
In an interview with Essence this week, Williams spoke on what it meant for her to join the popular series. “This franchise historically has not had a Black lens and now it will for the first time in 13 years,” Williams explained in the Oct. 8 article. “I’m thrilled. I’m honored. It is my great hope that my presence on this show will just do it justice. Do Black women justice. Do our culture justice. I can only hope to touch on the magic that are Black women.”
Don’t expect Williams to bring your “typical housewives” antics either. The career woman revealed that she’s at a point in her life where she’s ready to shift her focus and see “what does family look like for me? How do I define that?” She added, “I’ve learned that family is the single most important thing in the world, and it’s gonna be the most important thing in my world going forward. That’s new for me. Viewers are gonna get to ride that journey with me as I go back to see where family is for me and what it is for me historically, and I start moving forward to creating a family of my own.” Though relatively private when it comes to her personal life, Williams said she’s excited. “It’s a little scary to kind of go there, but I know it’s necessary for me to become the full woman that I want to be.”
Fans were excited over the announcement after Williams shared a screenshot of an article from People with her half million followers.
“Time to shake things up boo! Let’s go! So proud of all your hard work!! 😍❤️✨🙌🏾,” one user commented.
Another person wrote, “I didn’t see this coming but I LIVE for it!!! Congrats sis. I know you will both present and entertain! 🙌🏾❤️✊🏾.”
“This is amazing Soror! I can’t wait to see you shine and bring your authenticity to the show. I’ll be watching and cheering you on!!! 🎉💗💚,” a third person commented.
Williams’ addition to the show also comes after the series revealed its interest to diversify its cast following the departure of cast members Dorinda Medley and Tinsley Mortimer. Bravo has not released the “RHONY” season 13 premiere date just yet, but filming for the season has begun.
