After a tumultuous period marked by a lawsuit, it seems the door is opening for reconciliation between reality TV veteran NeNe Leakes and Bravo executive Andy Cohen. Leakes, a foundational cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, has expressed her readiness to “move forward” following a 2022 lawsuit that strained her relationship with Bravo and Cohen.
A Shift Towards Reconciliation
Leakes, 58, recently shared in an interview with Vulture that she hadn’t spoken to Cohen since filing the lawsuit, which alleged a hostile and racist work environment. The case was ultimately dropped later that year. Leakes indicated that while she has emotionally moved past the conflict, reconnecting is now up to Cohen.
“I am the kind of person that, good or bad, time heals. You don’t have to be besties or anything like that, but I move forward. I’m not into holding negative energy,” Leakes stated, suggesting a willingness to let bygones be bygones.
Cohen’s Perspective and ‘Ultimate Girls Trip’
Cohen echoed this sentiment in a separate interview with Vulture, confirming that the lawsuit is firmly behind them. While he declined to delve into the specifics of the legal situation, his comments suggest a mutual desire to put the matter to rest. Leakes also noted an improvement in her relationship with NBCUniversal, citing her continued hosting duties at NBC red carpet events as a sign of renewed goodwill.
The two are set to film together for the upcoming ‘The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th,’ a new Bravo spinoff scheduled for a 2026 debut. Cohen expressed that the anniversary project wouldn’t feel complete without Leakes’ involvement, calling her participation “really nice for the fans” and describing her return as “very positive.”
Could NeNe Return to RHOA?
Cohen acknowledged Leakes’ integral role in the success of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, given her status as an original cast member. However, when asked about the possibility of her returning to the main RHOA series, Cohen remained non-committal. He emphasized the current cast’s cohesion and fan reception, stating, “We want to be at the level that Atlanta used to be, and we are finally there.”
Leakes herself pondered the question of her potential RHOA comeback, reflecting on how her life has evolved. “Realistically speaking, is there a space for me on Housewives?” she mused. She highlighted significant life changes, including her husband’s passing, her son’s health journey and new fatherhood, her granddaughter growing up, her move to a city high-rise, and her current dating life. Ultimately, she believes that if a place is meant for her, it will happen, suggesting her story is now even more compelling.
Signs of Thawing Relations
Even before these interviews, signs of thawing relations were evident. In January, Leakes expressed joy on Instagram about her confirmed participation in ‘Ultimate Girls Trip,’ thanking Bravo leadership and Cohen for facilitating her return. Cohen publicly confirmed her involvement on his radio show, stating it would be “hard not to” celebrate 20 years of Housewives without her.
Couldn’t celebrate 20 years without you. — Andy Cohen on NeNe Leakes’ Instagram post
Leakes’ reply, “Thank you so much for everything. Love you butter cup no matter what,” further indicated a positive shift in their dynamic.
Do you think NeNe Leakes should return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta? What are your thoughts on her relationship with Andy Cohen now? Share your opinions in the comments below!
