‘RHOA’ Alum NeNe Leakes ‘In Talks’ to Make Bravo Return After Bombshell Lawsuit

NeNe Leakes in Talks to Rejoin Bravo for ‘Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’

NeNe Leakes, one of the most recognizable faces from the “Real Housewives of Atlanta” (RHOA), is reportedly in discussions to make a highly anticipated return to Bravo. According to insider reports, the 58-year-old reality TV star is “in talks” with the network to appear on the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip,” which is scheduled to begin filming in January 2026.

This news comes as a surprise to many fans, especially considering Leakes’ dramatic exit from RHOA in 2020 and the bombshell lawsuit she filed against Bravo and NBCUniversal in 2022. The lawsuit accused the network and its executives of fostering a workplace culture that tolerated racially insensitive behavior. Despite these serious allegations, the possibility of her return signals a potential reconciliation and a fresh chapter for the beloved reality star.

The Background: NeNe Leakes’ Departure and Lawsuit Against Bravo

NeNe Leakes was an original cast member of “Real Housewives of Atlanta” and quickly became a fan favorite due to her bold personality and memorable one-liners. However, in September 2020, she announced her departure from the show after what she described as “an extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional negotiation” with Bravo. At the time, Leakes cited emotional strain and unresolved issues as reasons for her exit.

In April 2022, Leakes escalated matters by filing a lawsuit against Bravo, NBCUniversal, and production companies True Entertainment and Truly Original. The lawsuit alleged that the companies fostered a corporate culture where racially insensitive and inappropriate behavior was not only tolerated but encouraged. Leakes claimed that her complaints about racism contributed to her being “forced” out of the show she helped build.

After several months of negotiations, Leakes filed to dismiss the case “without prejudice,” allowing her the option to reopen it later. This legal battle made headlines and sparked conversations about workplace culture and racial sensitivity in reality television.

What Fans Can Expect from NeNe Leakes’ Potential Return

If NeNe Leakes does join “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip,” it will mark a significant moment for Bravo and the franchise. The new series, announced by Bravo’s Andy Cohen at BravoCon 2025, will feature beloved Housewives from various cities and seasons traveling across the country, revisiting iconic Bravo locations.

Leakes’ involvement would bring star power and nostalgia to the show, reuniting fans with one of the franchise’s most dynamic personalities. Andy Cohen himself revealed that he and Leakes had exchanged texts just a few months ago, hinting at a thawing of relations between the two.

Her return could also open the door for more candid discussions about the issues she raised in her lawsuit, potentially bringing a new level of transparency and accountability to the franchise. For longtime fans, seeing NeNe back on Bravo screens would be a welcome and exciting development.

Conclusion

NeNe Leakes’ potential return to Bravo marks a pivotal moment in reality TV, blending the excitement of a fan-favorite’s comeback with the serious backdrop of her previous lawsuit against the network. As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await confirmation and hope to see NeNe bring her signature charisma back to the Bravo universe. Stay tuned for more updates on NeNe Leakes and the “Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip.” Don’t miss out on the latest reality TV news—subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive insights and breaking stories!