Former 'RHOA' Star NeNe Leakes Accuses Porsha Williams of Declining TV Cameo Collaboration

RHOA Alum NeNe Leakes Claims Porsha Williams Refused to Film TV Cameo Together

Nene Leakes and Porsha Williams Getty Images

NeNe Leakes criticized Porsha Williams, her former Real Housewives of Atlanta costar, for reportedly refusing to work with her on the set of Netflix's The Upshaws.

Leakes, 56, took to Instagram Story on Friday, March 15, to share that her management company had presented her with an opportunity to appear in The Upshaws. The series, starring Mike Epps and Wanda Sykes, expressed interest in casting her for a role in an episode directed by Kim Fields.

Leakes was thrilled to be part of the comedy series, expressing her love for comedy and excitement to work on it. She mentioned her past experience with comedy shows and how much she enjoys this genre. Leakes was particularly happy to find out that Porsha Williams Guobadia would also be in the series, as they always have a great time together.

Arriving in Los Angeles for the Upshaws set, Leakes was looking forward to seeing Williams at the rehearsal. However, Williams did not show up, leaving Leakes surprised and disappointed. Production later contacted Leakes to inquire about any issues she may have had with other Housewives, hinting at the possibility of recasting the other role.

Leakes said she told production that she had no issues with any Housewives, but Williams’ role eventually went to RHOA’s Cynthia Bailey instead.

RHOA Alum NeNe Leakes Claims Porsha Williams Refused to Film TV Cameo Together

NeNe Leakes shared on Instagram that Porsha did not show up for work because she did not want to work with her. Leakes was surprised and very disappointed by this news. She mentioned that she and Williams had gone on double dates and trips together to Miami, Dubai, and Las Vegas.

Leakes expressed surprise upon learning that Porsha had told a production company that she did not want to work with Leakes due to past issues. Leakes questioned what issues they had in the past, emphasizing that they are professionals and can work together without any problems.

In 2019, Williams accused Leakes of "fat-shaming" her shortly after giving birth to her first child. Following this, Leakes sent Williams a cease and desist letter after Williams shared screenshots of text messages where Leakes reportedly insulted Williams, calling her names like "a lying ass fat hungry bitch."

Leakes expressed her thoughts on the situation via Instagram Story in 2024, acknowledging that conflicts are expected on a reality show. However, she emphasized that despite petty disagreements, they have always been able to work together. She expressed disappointment in Porsha's actions, stating that it was untrue for her to claim they cannot collaborate.

In addition, Leakes mentioned that she had reached out to Williams before sharing her thoughts on social media. Williams, who is going through a divorce from Simon Guobadia after 15 months of marriage, allegedly responded by mentioning that Leakes had not reached out to her during this challenging time.

Leakes concluded in her video that Porsha did not want to share the spotlight because she is not a star, but a Bravolebrity. Professionals, on the other hand, can share the spotlight.

In December 2018, a source told We that Williams was being iced out by Leakes. The source mentioned that there is no reason why NeNe and Porsha cannot be friends, but it seems to be on NeNe's end. If the situation continues like this, there is nothing Porsha can do to maintain a friendship with NeNe.

Editor's P/S:

The dynamic between NeNe Leakes and Porsha Williams has always been complex, marked by both friendship and conflict. Their recent falling out over a potential collaboration on "The Upshaws" highlights the challenges of navigating personal relationships within a competitive industry. While Leakes' disappointment is understandable, it's important to acknowledge that Williams may have valid reasons for not wanting to work with her. The accusations of fat-shaming and the subsequent cease and desist letter suggest a history of unresolved issues between them.

It's also worth noting the role of production companies in these situations. Casting decisions can be influenced by factors beyond the actors' personal preferences, such as audience demographics and potential storylines. The fact that Cynthia Bailey was ultimately cast in Williams' place suggests that production may have believed that her presence would generate more interest or avoid potential controversy. Ultimately, the entertainment industry is a business, and decisions are often made based on what is perceived to be most beneficial for the show.