NeNe Leakes has returned to the “Real Housewives” franchise, making a special appearance on the premiere of the “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th Special.” This marks her first appearance on a “Real Housewives” series in six years, following her exit from “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” (RHOA) in 2020.
During the episode, Leakes' former castmate Porsha Williams welcomed her to help pack for a cross-country vacation. Williams noted that Leakes' last appearance was during the Season 12 reunion, which took place virtually during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leakes' return comes after a significant period of absence from the franchise. She officially quit RHOA in September 2020, during the virtual Season 12 reunion, abruptly closing her laptop and not being heard from again. At the time, Leakes described the decision as “very hard and very difficult,” citing an “extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation” with the network.
In April 2022, Leakes filed a lawsuit against Bravo, Andy Cohen, and associated companies, alleging a workplace culture that tolerated racially insensitive behavior and claiming her complaints of racism led to her being “forced” out of the show. After four months of negotiations, Leakes filed to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” allowing for the possibility of reopening it later.
More recently, Leakes indicated a willingness to move forward, stating in May that she was open to improving her relationship with Cohen. She mentioned that they had exchanged text messages and suggested that it was up to Cohen to decide if they would resume speaking terms.
Williams expressed surprise at Leakes’ return but also teased that the “queen herself” would be making an appearance when the group entered Atlanta, acknowledging that it was a significant moment given the circumstances of Leakes’ departure. The duo agreed that Leakes’ appearance was