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Reality TV fans have always loved NeNe Leakes, but what about the Hollywood elite, like Cynthia Erivo? Over the last week, Cynthia, who’s on a press tour for Wicked, has been sharing bits of info about her life. In one interview with People, the Color Purple actor discussed her deep love and appreciation of reality television—specifically the Real Housewives series. When asked which iterations were her go-to, Erivio gave a huge shout-out to the Potomac and Atlanta ladies.
“It‘s fantastic,” she said. “They’re very honest, which I like. Also, there’s no fighting or fisticuffs, but they will read each other crazily. Atlanta definitely gets a little rowdy, though.”
Later, when it was time to share who her favorite Housewives were … Cynthia didn’t take a beat. “I am a NeNe Leakes fan,” she said (like everyone else who has seen RHOA). “Where is she? Bring her back, please. She’s great.”
What’s Going On With NeNe Leakes and the Real Housewives?
If you’ve watched any bit of the Real Housewives of Atlanta, Cynthia Erivo’s obsession with NeNe Leakes likely isn’t a surprise. The reality star first appeared on the series as an OG in Season 1. The show aired in 2008, and shortly after, she became the franchise’s breakout star. She departed the series after Season 12 in 2020, but she accomplished quite a lot during her run. In addition to holding center stage, the reality star appeared on Broadway and television shows, including Glee and The New Normal.
After NeNe left the series during the COVID-19 pandemic, fans assumed she’d appear in other productions. However, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. As Leakes was preparing to leave RHOA, she burned a few bridges on the way out. In addition to saying that she was being “phased out” of the show, she also hurled outlandish accusations at her boss, Andy Cohen. In one post, she slammed the Housewives host for being “racist” after he threw shade at her on Watch What Happens Live.
“I have ALWAYS believed in multiple streams of income, so the Leakes are good, you ole cocaine head and you ole racist,” she wrote on X—formerly Twitter. “No one knew you until YOU knew me.”
Later, Leakes filed a discrimination lawsuit against Bravo and NBC Universal; however, the case was dismissed in 2022.
NeNe Thanks Cynthia for Her Praise and Reveals Her Thoughts About Returning
In a video shared by TMZ, NeNe Leakes stopped to talk about the praise she received from Cynthia Erivo. “I love her,” she said before saying so many of her friends sent her Erivo’s statements. “And I totally agree,” she added. NeNe also reminded watchers that many “big stars” watch the popular reality franchise, which debuted in 2006. “It was a pleasure to see that Cynthia loved the Real Housewives of Atlanta, and she particularly loved NeNe Leakes.”
But would NeNe return to the series after all that she’s been through? According to her … “why not?” She continued: “If the opportunity was right and the check was on point, why not?”
It’s still unclear whether Bravo and NeNe have mended their strained relationship. However, over the past few weeks, many reports have been circulating that the reality star is in talks to return to the network in some way. In late 2024, Leakes partnered with the company to host an Emmys after-party with Vanderpump Rules and Love Island host Ariana Madix. So, could that have been a good first step in the right direction?
