A lot has happened to NeNe Leakes since she departed the series following her stint on The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 12. NeNe first became a part of the hit Bravo series in 2008 when she filmed the first season. Since then, NeNe has become an icon not only in RHOA but in the overall Real Housewives franchise as well. Some even attribute their knowledge of The Real Housewives to NeNe as they believe she put this franchise on the map.
Despite being very confrontational on the show, NeNe was beloved by the viewers. They enjoyed her infamous catchphrases, her facial reactions, and how she would interact with the other women. NeNe was never afraid to express her opinion, even if it meant hurting someone else's feelings. Many fans remember when she threw shade at Kenya Moore's temporary apartment and made fun of her for having a white refrigerator. Not only was NeNe taking a dig at Kenya, but the scene also went viral online.
Many fans have been curious to find out what NeNe has been up to within the last year. The lounge owner announced her departure from RHOA in September 2020 on her YouTube channel after she was not able to come to a contractual agreement with Bravo. The reality star said that negotiations were very long and exhausting, but she finally decided she no longer wanted to be on RHOA. NeNe ended the video by expressing her gratitude to Bravo for allowing her to be a part of one of the first Black ensemble reality shows. Despite her appreciation in the video, the 54-year-old quickly turned a few months later. NeNe began asking her followers to boycott Bravo after she revealed the network treated her unfairly behind the scenes. The TV personality claims Bravo was demoting Black women who helped the network become what it is today.
Judging by her boycott, the Atlanta native seemed to believe that Bravo didn't treat her fairly because of the color of her skin. Shortly after she called out Bravo for racial discrimination, NeNe was dropped by her PR team. NeNe believes that her former team was conspiring against her with Bravo to encourage her mistreatment. After her war against Bravo began to simmer down, NeNe revealed that her husband Gregg's cancer had returned. Three months later, she revealed Gregg had lost his battle with cancer and passed away. She received condolences from all of her past RHOA castmates, including her former enemies Kenya and Kim. Even Andy Cohen sent his love to NeNe and her family following the passing of Gregg. Now, NeNe is focusing on her new chapter of life and continuing to grow her business at The Linnethia Lounge.
A lot has happened since NeNe left The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Not only was it difficult for her to process no longer being on the show, but NeNe lost her husband Gregg to cancer. Nonetheless, some good came out of the year, such as the opening of her new lounge and rekindling friendships with former foes.