NeNe Leakes, one of the original cast members of the Bravo reality television series, Real Housewives of Atlanta, has announced that she would not be returning for the show’s 13th season.
“I have made the very hard and difficult decision to not be a part of ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ season 13. It wasn’t an easy decision for me. It was hard,” Leakes says in a video posted to her Youtube channel.
“I’m just so happy that I can say that I was part of a genre that opened up a door for Black ensemble reality shows. I want to thank everybody that has looked up to me over the years. I want to thank Bravo for all the memories. Thank you to the cast for all of the memories.”
There has been much speculation around a possible departure from Leakes as season 12 wrapped up. Leakes stated that she was left “traumatized” by her treatment during the season’s reunion show.
Fans of the show may be taking Leakes’ exit with a pinch of salt. This is not the first time she has said goodbye to the franchise. The Glee actress also walked away after season seven, made a brief appearance on season eight. She then skipped season nine but came back for season 10.
Even Bravo’S statement seemed highly optimistic of an eventual return from the Atlanta OG.
“We wish Nene all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for sharing her journey for over a decade with the fans of ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta.’ She’s been instrumental since the start and will truly be missed, and maybe one day she’ll hold the peach again,” the network’s statement reads.
