It's a bittersweet moment for fans of The Real Housewives franchise as NeNe Leakes, a pivotal figure in the show's history, announced her departure from The Real Housewives of Atlanta on September 17, 2020. After extensive and emotional contract negotiations, she confirmed that she would not be returning for Season 13. This announcement came after months of speculation and rumors about her future on the show.
Leakes, one of the original cast members since the show's inception in 2008, expressed her feelings about leaving the franchise that has been a significant part of her life. In her heartfelt YouTube video, she shared, "I have been on an extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation. It has been hard, and I have made the very hard and difficult decision to not be a part of Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 13." This decision marks the end of an era as she is now the last original cast member to depart.
NeNe's impact on the reality television landscape is undeniable. Her memorable catchphrases and larger-than-life personality made her a fan favorite and solidified her status as a reality TV icon. As we explore the reasons behind her departure, we will also look at the reactions from fans and colleagues alike, highlighting the significant role she played in the series and the television industry as a whole.
NeNe Leakes and Bravo Struggled with Contract Negotiations
For months leading up to her departure, rumors about NeNe Leakes' future with The Real Housewives of Atlanta were rife. In June 2020, she publicly denied claims that she had been fired from the show, stating that she was still in negotiations with Bravo. "Not sure where these rumors are coming from!" she told ET, indicating her desire to set the record straight.
Despite her efforts to clarify her situation, the negotiations did not yield the results she hoped for. Ultimately, her decision to leave the show was rooted in the struggles she faced during these contract negotiations. Leakes mentioned that if the negotiations did not work out, she would announce her decision herself—and that is precisely what she did in her September video.
NeNe's history with the show is complex. She initially appeared from Seasons 1 through 7 before taking a break to focus on her acting career and other ventures. After returning for Seasons 10 through 12, her exit was marked by a dramatic finale, culminating in a virtual reunion filled with tension. Her departure now leaves a void in the show's dynamic as she was not just a participant, but a key figure in defining the series.
Fans and Colleagues React to NeNe Leakes' Departure from RHOA
The news of NeNe Leakes not returning for Season 13 was met with a wave of disappointment from fans. Many expressed their feelings on social media, with one viewer tweeting, "No nene on #RHOA...so what is the point of the show exactly?" The sentiment was shared widely, as fans felt that the show would lose its essence without one of its most iconic figures.
However, not all reactions were negative. Some fans believed it was time for NeNe to move on, considering her extensive list of achievements outside of the franchise. NeNe has made her mark as a Broadway star, with roles in productions like Cinderella, and her appearances in popular shows such as Glee. One fan remarked, "NeNe doesn’t get the credit she deserves for being one of the very few reality stars to do Broadway and so much more."
Andy Cohen, the executive producer of RHOA, also expressed his sentiments over NeNe's departure. He referred to her as an "icon of the genre" and noted how much he would miss her presence on the show. In a representative statement from Bravo, they expressed their gratitude for her contributions over the years and hinted at the possibility of her return, stating, "She’s been instrumental since the start and will truly be missed, and maybe one day she’ll hold the peach again."
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- NeNe Leakes and Bravo Struggled with Contract Negotiations
- Fans and Colleagues React to NeNe Leakes' Departure from RHOA
Biography of NeNe Leakes
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | NeNe Leakes |
| Date of Birth | December 13, 1967 |
| Profession | Television Personality, Actress, Author |
| Notable Works | The Real Housewives of Atlanta, Glee, Fashion Police |
| Years Active | 2008 - Present |
