In a 2021 interview, Nene Leakes claimed that Bravo used her outstanding tax debt against her…to the point that they were trying to force her to stay on “RHOA” in the face of blatant racism.
The interview with The Jasmine Brand (which can be seen above) revealed that the ex-Housewife felt like a “workhorse” whose talents were over-used and under-appreciated (and under-compensated). She also claimed that her outstanding tax debt was used as a form of blackmail against her, which all but forced her to stay on the show despite repeated alleged microaggressions from Kim Zolciak-Biermann and other members of the Bravo team.
Now, the former reality star is suing Bravo, NBC, and other entities for what she feels is racial abuse and a hostile work environment. Let’s take a look at everything Nene Leakes is alleging in her lawsuit.
Nene Leakes is claiming that Bravo is 'racially insensitive'
According to Us Weekly, the crux of Nene Leakes’ lawsuit against Bravo, NBC (the parent company of Bravo), and the “RHOA” production companies is that they “foster a racially insensitive environment.” Specifically, Leakes claims that they’ve allowed “racially inappropriate” behavior to continue unchecked.
Leakes claims that the worst offenders are Andy Cohen (the Watch What Happens host) and Kim Zolciak-Biermann (whom Leakes claims got “special privileges” that weren’t afforded to the Black housewives on “RHOA”).
She also claims that the behavior was encouraged
“NBC, Bravo and True [Entertainment, which produces RHOA] foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated—if not, encouraged,” said Leakes’ complaint, per Women’s Health.
Leakes felt forced off the show
According to Fox 5 Atlanta, Nene Leakes claims that the real reason she left the show was due to the continued alleged racism. She felt like she was “forced” off.
Bravo has not yet released a statement
As of this writing, per Radar Online, Bravo has not yet released a statement about the lawsuit.
