Former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star NeNe Leakes recently returned to Bravo by appearing in multiple episodes of “Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th.” However, after the much-talked-about appearance, the “RHOA” alum is painting a grim picture about potentially returning full-time. This comes after Andy Cohen seemingly shot down the idea of casting the 58-year-old in the show.
Leakes was interviewed on the “Big Tigger in the Morning” show in September 2026, where she mentioned Cohen’s recent comments that the show currently has a great cast when asked about her potentially returning.
According to the “RHOA” alum via a clip from the full interview, “I think Andy has come out and said publicly that – I don’t think that he actually said the exact words, but I think what everybody took from it is NeNe won’t be back. So, NeNe won’t be back.” After that, the host asked Leakes how she felt about Cohen’s comments.
She responded, “NeNe won’t be back. I don’t feel anything. NeNe won’t be back.” Regarding where she stands with Cohen, Leakes stated that she doesn’t hold any animosity or grudges against Cohen, saying, “I don’t have any beef.”
She added, “What happened happened. They did what they did, and I did what I did, and that’s it.”
NeNe Says She Wouldn’t Be Against Appearing In A Limited Capacity
Elsewhere in the interview, Leakes says that while she’s closing the door on a full-time role on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” she wouldn’t be against making appearances or maybe even hosting a trip.
The mom of two said during the interview, “I would go and play with them, but as far as me actually holding a peach and all over here sitting on the couch, no. I can’t do that. That’ll drive me crazy.” From there, she reiterated that she has no “grudges” against the franchise after her 2020 exit and subsequent lawsuit against the network.
Leakes continues, “At first I felt some kind of way for a while because you have to get over things, right?” She went on to say that she has “healed from that” and “moved on.” She then said she’d “love to go over and host them on a trip.”
Regarding her overall future with the franchise, Leakes doubled down, saying, “I don’t see myself ever sitting on a couch doing a reunion.” As for her reasoning, the former “RHOA” star cited “alliances” and “ganging up,” claiming, “I don’t wanna be a part of that. I’m just not that right now in my life. I’m not there. That’s not where I wanna be.”
Entertainment Tonight interviewed Cohen in September 2026. During the interview, the reporter mentioned Leakes’ “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th” appearance. This led to a question about her potentially returning to “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”
He responded, “You know, I have to say, we just finished the reunion, and the cast is so great, and we have eight housewives right now, so it seems like we have a pretty stacked lineup.”
After that, he praised the former Bravo star, saying, “But I loved her return to ‘Ultimate Girls Trip.’ The fans were so excited, and I was just as excited as the fans because I’m a fan.”
Previously, on SiriusXM’s “Andy Cohen Live,” the “Housewives” executive producer shot down rumors of Leakes’ return, as well as claims that two current cast members were not being asked back for season 18, which production has begun.
He said in August 2026, “There are a lot of casting rumors online, which came out over the weekend, and I’m gonna tell you that they’re not true.”
Cohen continued, “If you want a preview of next season of Atlanta, look at this cast. This is the group, guys. I mean, we love this group.”
NeNe Leakes Previously Questioned Being A Friend Of The Show
Leakes appeared on Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff‘s “Humble Brag” podcast in July 2025. During the episode, Bailey, currently a friend of the show on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” asked Leakes if she would consider taking on that role if the network offered it.
She expressed hesitation, saying, “I’m not mad at the ‘friend’ role. I just think, answering your question, if I were to ever step back on that platform and would I be a friend, I really feel like, I don’t know that I would be a friend.”
Leakes went on to explain her thoughts, saying, “I like the ‘friend’ role; I like the capacity; I don’t have a problem with it at all. I just would think, NeNe, season 1, the first Housewife, and I’m a friend? I don’t know.”
The ‘RHOA’ Alum Continues To Pursue Acting
Leakes launched her acting career while appearing on “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” Some of her most notable roles include “Glee” and “The New Normal.” More recently, she appeared in Prime Video’s “Clean Slate” and Netflix’s “The Upshaws.”
According to Deadline, Leakes appeared in BET+’s “Ms. Pat Settles It” as a celebrity juror.
