NeNe Leakes Discusses Possible Real Housewives Atlanta Return, Unsure About Friend Role

NeNe Leakes, a breakout star and original cast member of Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA), has expressed openness to returning to the show but is uncertain about doing so in a part-time "friend" role. While she appreciates the benefits of the friend position, such as less focus on personal family matters, she questions if it suits her given her status as the first Housewife from season 1. Leakes discussed this on the "Humble Brag" podcast with former co-star Cynthia Bailey and Crystal Kung Minkoff, noting that she would find it difficult to appear as a friend after being a full-time cast member for many seasons. She previously filed a lawsuit against Bravo and executive producer Andy Cohen over allegations of a racially insensitive work environment but later dropped it, and has since indicated a willingness to work with Bravo and NBCUniversal again. Additionally, she revealed she was invited to join Peacock’s The Traitors season 4 but declined due to her son's hospitalization. Overall, Leakes remains a significant figure in the RHOA franchise and is thoughtfully considering how best to re-engage with the show.