NeNe Leakes Open to RHOA Return After Cynthia Erivo Shoutout; Has Two Conditions

NeNe Leakes

Many fans of Real Housewives of Atlanta have felt the NeNe Leakes-shaped hole that remained after her 2020 departure from the show. Nobody plonked, blooped, or read someone for filth like NeNe.

For most of the time since, the notion of NeNe ever returning to RHOA seemed very far-fetched. She left the show after failed contract negotiations ahead of Season 13. Things also got very messy when she ended up suing Bravo, Andy Cohen, the RHOA production team, and NBCUniversal, alleging racism and hostility in the workplace. NeNe eventually dropped the suit in 2022.

However, NeNe has been responding more diplomatically lately when presented with fans’ wishes for her to return. Wicked superstar/RHOA fan Cynthia Erivo recently made such a wish. NeNe caught wind, and her response made it seem that THE DOOR IS OPEN (not CLOSED) for a return. She even revealed what it would take to get her back.

What would it take to get NeNe Leakes back on RHOA?

In a street interview with TMZ, NeNe intimated that she wasn’t entirely against returning to RHOA after Elphaba herself expressed love for her, specifically.

“I love her,” said NeNe. “So many people were sending it to me of what Cynthia had said. Cynthia, I love you. Thank you so much, and I totally agree.”

NeNe wasn’t surprised that Cynthia was a fan of Real Housewives, noting how widely watched and beloved the series is. She added, “It was a pleasure to see that Cynthia loved The Real Housewives of Atlanta and that she particularly loved NeNe Leakes.”

So what conditions would need to be met to get a peach back in NeNe’s hand? “I don’t know,” she pondered. “If the opportunity was right and the check was on point, why not?” Somehow, I’m not sure NeNe’s idea of an on-point check would be in Andy and Bravo’s realm of possibility.

The RHOA cast has had its share of departures and arrivals lately. Kandi Burruss, Shereé Whitfield, and Marlo Hampton won’t be back for Season 16. Kenya Moore was suspended following a revenge porn incident involving newcomer, Brittany Eady. Frick and Frack will be back! Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks are in The A.

Could we see a NeNe return for Season 17? It looks like a “never say never” for her. She even made amends with NBCUniversal, appearing on the Live From E!: Emmy After Party in 2024.

NeNe has a new podcast coming up. Me & My Homegirl, also featuring Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta star Sierra Glamshop, premieres on January 16 at 8/7 c wherever you listen to podcasts. Past seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta stream on Peacock.