NeNe Leakes confirms return to Bravo in Housewives spinoff

Pagesix reports that NeNe Leakes will return to Bravo as part of The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip. She confirmed the comeback in an emotional selfie-style Instagram video Wednesday, saying, "I'm happy, overjoyed, to say that I will be returning to Bravo. I almost can't even believe the words that are coming out of my mouth."

Leakes thanked showrunners and producers — including executive Andy Cohen — and former co-stars Porsha Williams and Phaedra Parks, and added, "Bitches, I am back. Now pick your faces up off the floor, OK? See you on Bravo. Love you!" Cohen commented beneath her post, "Couldn't celebrate 20 years without you 👏," and told his radio show, "She's gonna be making an appearance... When we go to Atlanta, she's gonna be there... I'm happy about it." The forthcoming spinoff aligns with the 20th anniversary of the Real Housewives franchise.

Leakes left Real Housewives of Atlanta in September 2020 after what she described as a long, emotional negotiation. In April 2022 she filed a lawsuit accusing Bravo and Cohen of fostering a racially insensitive workplace, then — after four months of negotiating between the parties — filed to dismiss the case "without prejudice." Earlier reporting said she had been negotiating to appear in the next installment, which is expected to film early this year.

Key Topics

Culture, Nene Leakes, Real Housewives, Ultimate Road Trip, Andy Cohen, Porsha Williams