NeNe Leakes Spills Jaw-Dropping Tea in Exclusive Reality With the King Podcast: Unfiltered Insights on Family, 'RHOA,' and More

Courtesy of Carlos King/YouTube

NeNe Leakes is prepared to share every detail about her experience on the Real Housewives of Atlanta as well as the turmoil in her personal life that ensued after her departure from the show.

Here, we present NeNe's major revelations from the initial part of their discussion:

NeNe’s Shocking ‘RHOA’ Salary

According to NeNe, she earned a sum of $10,000 for participating in the inaugural season of the renowned Bravo series. Additionally, she received an extra $5,000 for the reunion special. King mentioned that the filming duration spanned across three months. When it comes to the second season, NeNe could not recall the exact figure but estimated it to be approximately $50,000.

Leakes and her fellow OG costars joined forces to demand a raise, enlisting the same attorney to handle negotiations with the network. Eventually, NeNe, Shereé Whitfield, and Kim Zolciak-Biermann secured salaries ranging from $100K to $150K. NeNe candidly revealed that the cast did not start reaping financial rewards until season 4.

Sheree Whitfield. Justin Kase Photography/Shutterstock

Being Left Off Sheree’s List

In the first season of RHOA, NeNe became well-known for being intentionally excluded from Shereé's birthday party due to a disagreement between them. Shereé, who is 53 years old, later admitted that she deliberately left NeNe off the guest list. However, NeNe confessed that she had always been aware of Shereé's intention.

"That was probably the best decision she made, leaving me off the list. Honestly... the show became immensely popular starting from that moment," she said. "But I always knew that she deliberately excluded me. Now the question arises, why? Why did she choose to leave me off the list? Without me, there wouldn't be 'you', honey."

How Has NeNe Changed Since Her ‘RHOA’ Days?

Following the success of the show, NeNe was launched into superstardom and with her rise to fame, she was criticized for having a big ego.

Over time, it's often said that one undergoes changes. However, it's important to emphasize that growth is an inherent part of life. With each passing year, we inevitably age, and the notion of regressing in age simply does not apply. Moreover, we gain wisdom from our mistakes, gradually maturing as individuals. "I believe people tend to attribute this change to an inflated ego, especially when they observe your actions under the scrutiny of cameras and constant public scrutiny," she expressed.

Kenya Moore. Earl Gibson III/Shutterstock

A Shift on ‘RHOA’

In the beginning of the show's development, NeNe noticed a change when Kenya Moore joined the cast in season 5. NeNe pointed out that the original Housewives started the show with their genuine partners and the drama that ensued in their relationships.

"Our stories were authentic. Everything we discussed and did was real. When we had disagreements, they were genuine," she clarified. "We didn't pretend to have a boyfriend when we didn't have one. However, once Kenya joined the show – I'm not suggesting that Kenya initiated it or was responsible – but at that point, it became more about creating our own storylines. Whereas, we simply showed up to work, filmed, and stayed true to ourselves."

Cynthia Bailey. Gregory Pace/Shutterstoc

NeNe’s Bond With Cynthia Bailey

NeNe admitted to being unfamiliar with Cynthia, 56, before joining the RHOA cast. However, they met over lunch prior to filming. During their initial encounter, NeNe asserted that Cynthia was awestruck. Although NeNe initially had doubts about Cynthia's suitability for the show, meeting Cynthia's ex-husband Peter Thomas made it clear why the producers were keen to have the model on board.

The Problems With Putting Her Family in the Spotlight

The Cynthia I have encountered in front of the camera differs greatly from the Cynthia off camera. Undoubtedly, the Cynthia off camera possesses immense strength and exhibits a level of assertiveness that would make her a valuable asset to the show even without Peter. However, when in front of the camera, it always seemed as though she hesitated to reveal that particular aspect of her personality.

NeNe expressed her regret regarding her family's participation in the show, particularly the incident where she disciplined one of her sons on camera. This incident, where she reprimanded her son in front of others, deeply affected him and she acknowledges that it was hurtful. NeNe expressed her concern about not wanting to harm her children while pursuing her own desires, and she shared her wish to undo that particular moment.

Bryson Bryant. SplashNews.com

An Update on Bryson Following His Drug Arrest

Before the podcast was broadcasted, it was verified that NeNe's eldest son, who is 31 years old, was arrested on various charges in Lawrenceville, Georgia earlier this month. These charges include violating probation, possessing a schedule II controlled substance, loitering/prowling, and providing a false name to a law enforcement officer. Allegedly, he informed the police that he was his younger half-brother.

NeNe provided an update on her son's situation, revealing that he has been struggling with addiction for quite some time and is in need of extensive counseling. Despite her efforts to help him, NeNe admitted that there is not much more she can do. She acknowledged that parents or family members who have dealt with drug addiction understand that the person affected needs to be ready for a change. NeNe shared that she has spent a significant amount of money trying to get her son the help he needs, but she has learned through personal experience that he must make the decision on his own. Until her son is prepared to make a positive change, NeNe feels powerless. As a mother, she will never give up on her child, but she has become emotionally detached from the situation due to the prolonged nature of his struggles.

However, NeNe confessed that several of her friends, including Lamar Odom, have reached out to her to offer their support and help Bryson seek treatment.

Gregg Leakes. Mediapunch/Shutterstock

NeNe’s Ups and Downs With Late Husband

NeNe acknowledged that appearing on reality TV had a negative impact on her marriage with Gregg. The couple tied the knot in 1997 but separated in 2010. However, they reconciled after three years and remained together until Gregg's passing from cancer in 2021.

"Greg genuinely loved me and accepted me for who I am. He was also the primary earner in our relationship while I wasn't working, providing for us financially," she explained. "But once I started earning more than him, he began to view me differently. I no longer had to rely on him for money or anything else. It somehow affected his sense of strength or control."

After NeNe and Gregg's decision to divorce in 2010, she felt deeply hurt but resolved to proceed with the separation in order to impart a significant message to him.

"The sole way for Greg to truly understand was for me to go through with the divorce. I was determined to see it through," she confessed. "I vividly remember the phone call from Greg, where he angrily uttered, 'You cruel woman, you divorced me.'"

Following his death, NeNe has dated but she admitted that Gregg was her “ultimate love” and she’s unsure if she’d find that again.