Looking back at that very first season of The Real Housewives of Atlanta, one moment still stands out—not just to fans, but to me too. Honey, I’ll never forget the night I showed up to Shereé’s birthday party all dressed up, face beat, hair laid, heels on—and still didn’t make it past the front door. Yes, chile, they really tried to play me like that.
Let me set the scene for those who may not remember. I had been told—told, OK?—that we were putting drama aside and I was invited to celebrate Shereé’s big night. We were filming, we were fresh into the show, and I was trying to keep it classy… or at least civil. I brought Kim with me, thinking we were walking into a fun night. Baby, little did I know, I was walking into a storm.
We pull up to this glamorous party—guests everywhere, lights flashing, velvet ropes, the whole nine. But when I get to the door? Security says I’m not on the list. Not on the list! Me?! NeNe Leakes?! The audacity! My eyes were poppin’, lips bustin’, and you better believe the camera was catching every second.
Now, let me say this—I don’t hold grudges, but I do hold people accountable. That wasn’t just a shady moment, it was a power play. I understood that then, and I understand it even more now. You don’t forget when someone disrespects you like that, especially in front of cameras and the world. And don’t even get me started on the so-called “apology” that came later… through her publicist. Girl, please.
But let me tell you what came out of that moment: a star was born. That night taught me that Real Housewives was never going to be fake or watered down. The drama was real, and I was realer. It also showed viewers what I was about—unfiltered, unapologetic, and not here for the nonsense.
People always ask, “NeNe, was that fight real?” And I tell them, 100% yes. I don’t do manufactured drama. What you saw was a woman who felt disrespected, blindsided, and just a little heartbroken. Because truthfully, I wanted to have fun. I came to party. But I ended up making reality TV history instead.
Now, years later, fans still talk about that moment. It’s become part of RHOA legend. And while Shereé and I have had our ups and downs (and Lord knows there have been many), that night bonded us in the most chaotic Housewives way possible.
So if you’re new to the franchise or rewatching Season 1, remember this: That velvet rope wasn’t just blocking me from a party—it was opening the door to a whole era of reality TV gold.
NeNe was here, baby. And I wasn’t going anywhere.
