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NeNe Leakes is the name many fans still associate with The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Her bold personality, quick wit, and unfiltered commentary made her one of the standout stars of the franchise. However, after Season 12 in 2020, she disappeared from the RHOA spotlight, leaving fans wondering if we’d ever see her again.
Fast forward to January 2025, and NeNe is stirring up speculation once again. During a chat on The Tamron Hall Show, the reality TV icon teased the possibility of coming back to the show—but only for the right offer. “If [Bravo] called, I would answer,” she told Tamron, with a smile. “I would need to hear what they have to say.” While NeNe made it clear that nothing was certain, her openness to a return has fans buzzing. But what led to her departure in the first place?
Why NeNe Left: A Negotiation Gone Wrong
NeNe Leakes exit from RHOA wasn’t a simple departure—it was a highly charged, dramatic exit that had everyone talking. In a video posted to YouTube in September 2020, NeNe revealed that the decision to leave came after an “extremely, extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation” with Bravo. It wasn’t the easy goodbye that some may have assumed; NeNe was essentially pushing back against what she felt was a less-than-fair offer.
“I had an offer on the table. I did not think the offer was a fair offer,” she told Entertainment Tonight shortly after her exit. NeNe’s frustration was evident when fans started suggesting that Bravo had forced her out. She didn’t hold back, agreeing with the sentiment, “They definitely did.” This wasn’t just about money—it was about respect, and for NeNe, that was a deal-breaker.
The Legal Drama: A Lawsuit, Then a Sudden Dismissal
In 2022, things took a more serious turn. NeNe Leakes filed a lawsuit against Bravo, Andy Cohen, and other producers, accusing the network of creating a racially hostile work environment. Her claims were a powerful statement against the behind-the-scenes culture of RHOA and the broader Bravo network. However, by August of that year, NeNe dropped the lawsuit without much explanation, leading to speculation about the real reasons behind her decision to step away from the show.
During her appearance on Tamron Hall, NeNe discussed how she and the producers had moved on from the situation. “We’ve put a lot of things behind us,” she said, implying that not everything was out in the open, but that she was focused on the future. Despite the drama, NeNe’s ability to reconcile and look ahead shows her resilience.
Could NeNe Really Return? The “Right Offer” Is Key
Despite the complicated history with Bravo and her legal action, NeNe hasn’t ruled out a return to RHOA. In fact, when asked if she’d come back, she simply said, “I could never say never.” But there’s a catch—she’s clear that it would take the right offer. She made it crystal clear when she joked about the necessary conditions: “Check, check, check. Zero, zero, zero, zero, zero, zeros…” She’s not just looking for a paycheck—she wants to feel valued and respected, which is key in any negotiations.
Even though she’s uncertain about how she would fit into the current cast, NeNe doesn’t seem to have lost her fire. “My life is very interesting right now,” she said, hinting that she still has a lot to bring to the table. But as much as fans would love to see NeNe back in action on RHOA, it all comes down to whether the network is willing to meet her on her terms.
What About Andy Cohen?
NeNe’s relationship with Andy Cohen, once a close friendship, has also been a topic of discussion over the years. After her exit, NeNe admitted that things weren’t as rosy as she once thought. “I thought that we had a relationship and a great relationship. But maybe we didn’t,” she said in a candid interview.
However, during BravoCon 2023, Andy opened up about his feelings, acknowledging that he and NeNe “came up together” and that there would “always be room in my heart” for her. His emotional comments revealed that, despite their public disagreements, there’s still a sense of respect between the two. Andy also mentioned that, in recent years, he’s been honoring her wish to keep her name out of his conversations, signaling a deeper understanding of the complexities in their relationship.
What’s Next for NeNe?
As for what comes next, NeNe’s future with RHOA remains up in the air. Her willingness to return depends on several factors, with one being how much Bravo is willing to offer her in terms of respect and compensation. What’s clear is that NeNe knows her worth—whether she’s on RHOA or not. Her star power remains undeniable, and she continues to captivate audiences with her every move, especially through her social media and public appearances.
