Real Housewives of Atlanta star Kelli Ferrell is speaking out about her co-star Kenya Moore's firing after she was asked to leave the show mid-season.
What was meant to be a celebratory moment for Kenya, 54, during the grand opening of her Kenya Moore Hair Spa business took a turn for the worst when the entrepreneur displayed explicit photos of newbie Brittany Eady, 37.
An investigation was then launched into the June 2024 incident, at which point it was decided by Bravo that Kenya could no longer film for the rest of the season.
In an exclusive interview with DailyMail.com, Kelli, 40, shared her thoughts on the scandalous moment that she said left everyone on set shocked.
Kelli, who made her debut this season as a housewife, said, '[It was] surprising for everybody. I mean, who would've thought that that would be our final time in filming.
'I just felt like it was so many other things that we had left to discuss and talk about and connect on.'
Kelli Ferrell spoke exclusively with DailyMail.com at DailyMail's offices in New York City while promoting the current season of Real Housewives of Atlanta
Kenya Moore was fired from Real Housewives of Atlanta mid-season after sharing explicit photos of co-star Brittany Eady in June 2024
She continued, 'I mean it's unfortunate. I think [for] all parties, it's just unfortunate.'
The owner of Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles revealed she 'still texts her from time to time,' and 'wishes her well.'
'I love Kenya. I think Kenya is so amazing. I think she's such a boss,' she gushed.
'Me and Kenya had so many amazing things in common and I really wish her well. I really do.'
When asked how Moore is holding up, Kelli responded, 'I think she's doing good. I think she's focused on being an amazing mom, which she always is.
'I think she's focused on her beautiful brand and her business and was still building her empire and I just, I wish her so much success.'
When asked if Kenya would return for another season, she told DailyMail.com, 'I hope so, yeah. I hope so. I mean, Kenny and I had so many amazing moments together and I hope that we could film together again soon.'
Kenya spoke out on her YouTube last month following the incident airing on RHOA. She apologized and said, 'It was wrong. I should not have done it at my salon I worked so hard for. I am very sorry that I shared the photos because it wasn’t right. I did not break the law, and I’m very sorry for what I did.'
Kenya said that, per legal experts, she 'did not commit revenge porn' since she shared explicit photos of Brit (pictured in April 2025) that were 'accessible online'
Kenya has since apologized, saying what she did 'was wrong.' 'I am very sorry that I shared the photos because it wasn’t right,' she shared on her YouTube last month
Kenya went on to say that she got advice from a local attorney who advised her about the federal as well as the Georgia state law.
'I shared photos that were readily available online,' she claimed. 'I did not commit revenge porn. I shared a publicly available photo that was accessible online.'
Even though Kenya will not be making any more appearances this season, and is reportedly 'disinvited' from the season 16 reunion, Kelli says there's still lots more to come when new episodes drop every Sunday.
'I mean, we had so much fun. So, like, we have our cast trip, which was amazing in Grenada. We have some cookie moments. We have our finale, which was crazy,' she teased. 'I mean the season is really good - literally from start to finish.'
The season follows Kelli, Brit, Porsha Williams, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton and Angela Oakley as well as friends Cynthia Bailey and Monyetta Shaw-Carter.
Phaedra Parks will be making an appearance later on in the season, which Kelli teased, 'She wasn't there long, but she definitely left an impression.'
As for Kelli, this season introduces her family - she has four daughters (Chloe, Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi) - and her divorce with her ex, Chuvalo Ferrell, who she shares her three youngest daughters with.
The pair had been married since August 2011. Kelli filed for divorce in 2022 and it was finalized in September 2024, after season 16 wrapped filming.
As a new housewife in season 16, Kelli introduces her family to fans, including her four daughters - Chloe, Chance, Chasiti, and Chelsi. Her divorce to her ex Chuvalo was finalized in September 2024
Kelli told DailyMail.com about filming her divorce: 'I mean nobody wants to see like hurt and and pain on the forefront. I mean, especially, like, for my children and my daughters'
She added, 'My children are always the most most promised prize possession for me, so I always just want to see them happy'
In February 2025, Chuvalo filed to lower child support payments - he was ordered to pay Kelli $3,991 per month - since he noted in court documents, obtained by DailyMail.com, that there was 'substantial change in his income and financial status' since he 'no longer' was working for the family business.
However, due to inactivity on Chuvalo's part in the case proceedings, the case was dismissed on May 5 for 'want of prosecution'.
Kelli told DailyMail.com about what it was like having her divorce play out on cameras, especially after living 'such a private life.'
'I mean nobody wants to see hurt and and pain on the forefront. I mean, especially for my children and my daughters. I never want to show that side. I know when you're joining reality TV, you have to show that,' she insisted.
'It's unfortunate, but at the same time, my truth is my truth. I hate that it has to be that way, but that is my reality, right?'
Season 16 of RHOA airs every Sunday on Bravo. The cast follows (from left to right) Brit Eady, Phaedra Parks, Angela Oakley, Drew Sidora, Shamea Morton and Kelli Ferrell
Despite paying nearly '$200,000' on attorney's fees, she continues to see the light at the end of the tunnel and tries to stay 'positive.'
'Even going through everything I've gone through in the last three years, [I'm trying] to have a better outlook on the end result. And my children are always the most prized possession for me, so I always just want to see them happy,' she explained.
'So as much as I might be going through something emotionally, as long as the ending is good for them and safe for them and puts them in a better position, then I'm okay...I don't think [divorce is] easy so I just always try and remain positive and just, you know, hope for the best, always.'
While she's 'having fun' being single and focusing on her daughters, she's working on growing her business, Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles, which has a location in McDonough, Georgia, and a second one expected to open this summer in Sandy Springs.
She's also working on her Mommy and Me cookbook, which will be her second one following the release of 2019's Kooking with Kelli.
