💔 Nene Leakes Confirms She’s NOT Returning to RHOA Season 17 — And She’s Finally Revealing Why
It’s official: One of the most iconic Housewives of all time, Nene Leakes, has confirmed she will not be returning to The Real Housewives of Atlanta for Season 17 — and fans are heartbroken.
In a recent interview, Leakes set the record straight about her future with the franchise that made her a household name. After months of speculation, she made it clear: the door is not open right now.
“As of now, I’m not going back to RHOA. I know fans wanted it, and I’ve heard the rumors, but I’m focusing on peace and new projects,” Nene said.
“It just doesn’t feel like the right space for me anymore.”
📺 A Reality TV Queen Steps Away
Leakes, who helped launch RHOA in 2008 and quickly became the breakout star with her unmatched shade, one-liners, and larger-than-life personality, last appeared as a full-time cast member in Season 12. Since then, fans have been hoping for a comeback — especially with the show’s recent ratings dip and fan calls for a “return to form.”
For months, rumors swirled online that Bravo was in talks with Leakes to return for Season 17 — even just for a guest appearance. But according to Nene, the behind-the-scenes reality is much different than the headlines suggest.
“People think I just walked away, but it’s more complicated than that,” she explained.
“There’s a lot of history, and not all of it is positive.”
🧠 A Focus on Healing and Growth
In recent years, Leakes has been open about her mental health journey, the grief of losing her husband Gregg to cancer in 2021, and her desire to create a more peaceful, fulfilling life outside of reality TV.
“I’ve grown a lot since I left the show,” she shared.
“I don’t want to be in a space that’s toxic or draining. I’m choosing me now.”
Instead, Nene is focusing on new business ventures, including her lounge, her budding acting career, and even developing her own content. She hinted that fans may not see her on RHOA, but she’s far from done with TV.
“I’m still entertaining. That’s never going to stop,” she said with a laugh. “I just want to do it on my terms.”
💬 Fans React
Fans flooded social media with mixed emotions — from disappointment to support.
“RHOA won’t ever be the same without her,” one fan tweeted.
“But I respect her for putting herself first.”
Many are now hoping she’ll return in the future — perhaps for a reunion or a Bravo spinoff of her own.
👑 What’s Next for the OG?
While Nene Leakes is stepping away from The Real Housewives of Atlanta once again, her impact on reality TV — and pop culture as a whole — is undeniable.
As she puts it:
“I was the show. And I still am, in a way. But now, I’m writing the next chapter.”
📣 Should Nene return to RHOA in the future? Or is she right to move on? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
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