Andy Cohen gave a seemingly cryptic response to NeNe Leakes' possible return to The Real Housewives of Atlanta. The show's executive producer has heard NeNe's recent hints at being open to returning and he doesn't sound too thrilled. Considering the boycott NeNe launched against the network, it will likely take a lot more for her to just express a desire to return to make it happen. The show OG appears to have put such a bad taste in Andy's mouth, he appears reluctant to work with her again.
It's been over a year since NeNe announced her exit from RHOA. She spent 12 seasons as the franchise's lead housewife and was once hailed as the highest-paid housewife across all franchises. However, after her exit, NeNe launched a fiery boycott against Bravo over claims of racism and discrimination. Her relationship with the show producers appeared shaky up until the recent passing of her husband Gregg Leakes. With much of the current cast supporting NeNe during that time, there are rumors that NeNe could make a guest appearance in the new season.
Most recently, NeNe teased her openness to returning to the show if a much-needed conversation is had. But when asked about NeNe's possible return to RHOA in the near future, Andy would rather stay silent on the topic. While speaking on his new Sirius XM radio show Andy Cohen Live, the Housewives EP explained how "complicated" his current relationship with NeNe is. He admitted to being in contact with her since Gregg's passing but didn't want to say if they talked about her returning to the show. “What I don’t want to do is get into a public thing with her," he said. "I think she would probably prefer that I keep her name out of my mouth and that is what I’m going to honor.”
His cryptic response hints at the tension that is still lingering between NeNe and production. Despite being an OG housewife, NeNe might've crossed the line when she spoke out against Bravo. It'll most likely take a lot more than NeNe saying she wants to return in order to make that happen. NeNe might need to start doing some more damage control to undo all the drama ignited against the show and network last year. With all the "unfinished business" NeNe recently said she would like to address, she has to also start with the leaders behind the camera.
NeNe still engages with most of the cast and has a fan club that supports her no matter how wrong she is in any situation. The Real Housewives of Atlanta hasn't been the same since she left and many viewers would love to see NeNe make a comeback. But it likely won't happen if NeNe doesn't heal all of the open wounds on and offscreen.
Source: Andy Cohen Live