The Real Housewives of Atlanta are back with season 16 currently airing on Bravo. Fans of the popular reality show might be surprised to see cast member Kenya Moore on the first few episodes after news of Moore’s departure from the reality series came out last year.
Reportedly, Moore was accused of engaging in acts of revenge porn during the course of production by her co-star, newcomer Brittany Eady. Let’s break down what happened between the reality stars and whether Moore actually committed a crime against newbie Eady.
Who Are Kenya Moore and Brittany Eady?
Moore is best known as a television personality, actress, model, and entrepreneur. She was a cast member of Real Housewives for 11 seasons, won the Miss USA pageant in 1993, and has appeared in multiple movies and television shows. She also owns several businesses, including a hair care line. She was married to restaurateur Marc Daly from 2017 to 2023. They share a daughter, Brooklyn.
Eady isn’t as well known in mainstream media, probably because this is her first season on the RHOA. Her LinkedIn profile shows she worked as an insurance agent for Allstate from 2020 to 2023. She then started her own business, Agency Jumpstart, an educational masterclass for starting a career in the insurance industry. Eady also promotes herself as a “video vixen.” When she was in high school, she appeared in Soulja Boy’s 2008 music video for “Kiss Me Through the Phone.” Eady has been married to her husband, Michael Cunningham, since 2020.
When Did the Alleged Revenge Porn Occur?
The reality TV show’s current season started filming last Spring. In June 2024, while cameras were rolling, Moore hosted a party to celebrate the grand opening of her new business, Kenya Moore Hair Spa. According to Page Six, several posters depicting Eady allegedly performing oral sex were on display at the event. Eady was not in attendance, but several of her castmates were, including Drew Sidora, Porsha Williams, Cynthia Bailey, and Shamea Morton, who later expressed their shock on social media via Instagram stories.
At first, Moore denied displaying the explicit images of Eady, calling it “fake news #sweet16.” She then later claimed she acted in retaliation to threats Eady had made against her involving a gun, which Eady has denied. Moore has since taken full accountability for her actions and apologized to Eady during an interview on the Tamron Hall show.
What Is Revenge Porn?
Revenge porn is when someone shares private, intimate photos or videos of another person without their permission. In Georgia, where Eady and Moore reside, it’s the sharing of a photograph or video that shows an adult engaged in a sexual act or in a state of nudity. To prove Moore committed the crime of revenge porn, Eady has to establish the following:
- Moore knowingly and intentionally shared the posters of Eady; being careless or negligent doesn't qualify as revenge porn.
- Eady did not give permission for the photos to be shared or distributed.
- The photos depict nudity or sexual activity and were intended to be private.
- The sharing of the photos was done with the intent to harm, harass, or embarrass Eady or resulted in actual harm, such as emotional distress or financial loss.
- Moore’s sharing of the photos serves no legitimate purpose on Eady’s behalf.
A first-time revenge porn offense in Georgia is considered an aggravated misdemeanor. Punishment includes up to 12 months in jail, a maximum $1000 fine, or both.
Although Eady has given statements about revenge porn being a crime, it remains unclear whether she actually pressed formal criminal charges against Moore. She did report the incident to Bravo officials who launched an investigation into her claims against Moore. It’s unclear whether Moore was fired from the show, suspended, or came to the decision on her own. Stay tuned to find out if the drama between Moore and Eady will play out on the show later this season on Bravo or Peacock.
Check out FindLaw’s Criminal Law resources to learn more about felonies and misdemeanors related to revenge porn. If you’ve been accused of a crime and need legal assistance, find an experienced criminal law attorney with our lawyer directory.
