By now, fans of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” know that the show’s OG cast member, Nene Leakes, will not be returning for season 13. Back in September, after a series of reports and rumors, the reality star confirmed her departure on her YouTube channel.
Nene’s exit from the franchise had many fans of the show sad to see her journey end — Nene had been on the series since its premiere in 2008 — her now-former cast mate Kandi Burruss joined the franchise in season two. Despite the nature of their friendship, which had its fair share of ups and downs, the R&B singer admitted that Nene’s departure would be a genuine loss for the franchise.
During a recent appearance on “STEVE on Watch” with host Steve Harvey, published on Facebook on Monday, Nov. 9, the “Who Can I Run To” singer shared her thoughts on the matter and where their friendship stands. “She will be missed on the show, for sure,” Kandi explained. “I’m not trying to take anything from her. She was a great addition to the show.”
Interestingly enough, the singer seemingly hinted at a potential Nene return at some point. Kandi highlighted that Nene only chose not to return for season 13.
“I think in negotiations, sometimes we get what we want and sometimes we don’t get what we want and … when we don’t get what we want, we have to make the decision on if we want to part ways and I think [Nene] made that decision for herself,” Kandi explained. She added, “I guess right now she didn’t care to come back this season, for whatever reason.” As far as their friendships goes, Kandi told Harvey that they “don’t really talk.”
Another Nene former cast mate and off-and-on friend, Cynthia Bailey, shared similar feelings about the star’s exit. Last month, the model and Eva Marcille sat down with Extra TV correspondent Rachel Lindsay to talk about the news. Cynthia said she was “surprised.” “She helped build the platform that Eva and I have been working on.”
Eva, who announced her departure from the show back in June, said she contacted Nene after the news broke. “I hit Nene up, I told her, ‘Hold your head, queen.’ She has done amazing things to create the franchise and the legacy that is ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta,’ and she will definitely be missed.”
The 13th season of the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” premieres on Bravo on Dec. 6.
