As much as the network likes the idea of changing with the times, something has to be said for embracing the OGs. NeNe Leakes helped make the Real Housewives of Atlanta the popular franchise it is today. Between one-liners like “Goodbye wig” and “I said what I said,” NeNe won viewers’ hearts. She was never afraid to speak her mind and often ensured that her voice was the loudest. Viewers enjoyed getting to know her husband and two sons, too. So when she left the franchise, it all came as quite a shock. But one thing that fans thought could last was her friendship with Andy Cohen. But we were wrong. 
What happened between Andy Cohen and NeNe Leakes?
NeNe was in tense negotiations to return to the Real Housewives of Atlanta Season 13. Still, both sides broke down the lines of communication, and she decided to leave the series that made her famous behind. NeNe went on to sue Andy and Bravo over “unfair treatment” via Us Weekly. The Linnethia Lounge owner alleged that NBC and its Bravo network “maintain a corporate culture that is insensitive to Black talent and fosters racially offensive behavior that goes unpunished.” The court documents read, “For years, NBC, Bravo, and True have fostered a corporate and workplace culture that has permitted and tolerated – if not, encouraged – racially offensive and insensitive conduct, statements, and actions by their employees.”
In August 2022, NeNe filed paperwork to end the lawsuit. The documents stated, “Leakes hereby dismisses this action and all claims asserted by Leakes without prejudice, thereby concluding this case before this Court at this time. All Parties consent and stipulate to the foregoing dismissal. No party will seek recovery of costs or attorneys’ fees in any submission to this Court.”
There could be hope for Andy Cohen and NeNe Leakes
In 2023, Andy shared that he was open to reconciling with his old pal NeNe. During BravoCon 2023, which was held in Las Vegas, a fan asked the Bravo kingpin if he’d be willing to talk it out with the Real Housewives of Atlanta’s tastiest peach. Andy was honest, saying, “I’m a nostalgic guy. She and I came up together, and there’s always room in my heart for, you know, everybody.” The father of two then was asked about NeNe getting her peach back. He said, “Who knows? I mean, she asked me a few years ago to keep her name out of my mouth, so I try to respect that.”
In January 2025, NeNe shocked the Bravoverse when she told fans she hadn’t closed the door on a return to Bravo. While appearing on the Tamron Hall show, she told the host, “If they called, I would answer. I would need to hear what they have to say.” Now everyone has a bit of hope that one of our favorite Bravolebs could make a return. NeNe added, “We have put a lot of things behind us that some people know, some people don’t know. We’ve ended all of those things; we’ve moved forward.”
