RHOA: Here’s why you can’t just fire NeNe Leakes

The latest season of RHOA may be over, but the drama is still alive. Here’s why you can’t just fire NeNe Leakes from the show.

The Real Housewives of Atlanta may be done with its latest season, but the peaches are still dripping with gossip.  Recently, as near as within the last few days or so, the reports started to surface that NeNe Leakes had been fired from RHOA. Her apparent reaction to the rumors didn’t do much to alleviate the rumors, in fact, they did the exact opposite.

Judging based on this reaction from the star, you would have thought that the news was absolutely true. The tweet by Leakes read, “You are NOT gonna get away with this! I promise.” Well, as it now turns out, the star has not been fired from the show. That’s at least what you can take from it by all accounts of those who should know the true answers associated with these rumors.

Here is a statement via HollywoodLife, that was made to them by NeNe’s manager, Steven Grossman.

"“It is absolutely not true that Nene has been fired from RHOA. Furthermore, it was made abundantly clear prior that she will always be welcome on the series as long as she wants to be.” He also said, “We are having on-going bigger picture conversations with NBC Universal and have not made any decisions regarding next season specifically.”"

He went on to note that anyone claiming otherwise was trying to stir up more drama.  Apparently, Steven even said “bloop,” one of her favorite phrases.  Wow, what a statement. You should also note that according to Essence:

"A Bravo spokesperson told ESSENCE Thursday: “There is no truth to this story. Nene was not fired and conversations for the next season are still ongoing.”"

There seems to be some drama circling around the RHOA cast.

It’s not just the classic shade that they throw on the show either, this seems a bit more real. Look, we have all the details. We have heard all of the rumors. What does it all mean though? Well, that, I don’t have the complete answer to, but I do know this. Bravo and The Real Housewives of Atlanta can’t just fire NeNe and here’s why.

First off, she’s one of the most popular characters on the show. That’s just it. If you cut her loose, you can expect a good portion of your fanbase to start losing interest, lose interest immediately, or simply walk away from the show along with Leakes.

The second reason is this, every story needs a villain. In professional wrestling circles (as scripted as reality TV seems to be at times), they call them “heels”. A heel is a professional wrestler who portrays a villain or a bad guy. That’s what NeNe is, at times, and she does it so well.

The next reason is that while she is the necessary heel for the show at times, she is also a source of inspiration and courage for a certain group of people out there. Believe me, I know some of them personally.  Though she might not be for everyone, NeNe does come prepared with a large fanbase.

Lastly, what is a show without drama, excitement, and the unique brand of shade that NeNe brings? No one throws shade like NeNe Leakes, “no one hunny,” (in my NeNe voice.)

So, while there may be a certain sect out there that wants her gone, the overwhelming majority probably doesn’t and the show simply wouldn’t be the same without her. Yes, “I said what I said”. Now, BLOOP!

The Real Housewives of Atlanta will be back next year.