NeNe Leakes has officially accused Bravo, Andy Cohen, and “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” production of racism in a new lawsuit. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the former reality star alleges they created a hostile and racist work environment. The suit names NBCUniversal, “RHOA” production companies, True Entertainment and Truly Original, and other executives as defendants.
It also states that “NBC, Bravo, and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated; if not encouraged.” She alleges she reported years of racist remarks from former ‘RHOA’ Kim Zolciak-Biermann.
Leakes and Zolciak-Biermann were two of the first OGs from the Atlanta franchise of the Bravo series, which aired in 2008. The suit notes several incidents and statements involving Zolciak-Biermann that “perpetuated an offensive stereotype about African-Americans.” It suggests that unheard complaints of racism led to Leakes being forced out of “RHOA” in 2020.
Zolciak-Biermann also allegedly made “racially offensive and stereotypical” comments about the home of fellow “housewife” Kandi Burruss and referred to her Black cast members using the word n—a after a dispute.
The Hollywood Reporter obtained a statement from Leakes’ lawyer David deRubertis. He said, “From the day the series began filming, NeNe was the target of systemic racism from co-star Kim Zolciak-Biermann, which was tolerated by Bravo executive producer Andy Cohen and other executives.”
Over on The Shade Room’s Instagram, fans expressed have mixed reviews about Leakes filing the lawsuit, including some who said she caused the hostility on “RHOA.” Many questioned why Leakes endured these conditions for nearly 15 years.
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