I just read a great interview of Nene Leakes by Dave Quinn, a reporter for NBC’s NY affiliate. I just had to share it with you. He asks great questions. I thought “Do you have any regrets from being on RHOA was especially smart. It’s a really good interview! Of course Nene brings up salaries for RHOA. Implies that Cynthia dumped her because she got a raise. Just get started reading it!
NBC 4 NEW YORK: Is this your first holiday season in New York?
NENE LEAKES: It is. I’ve been here once or maybe twice for New Year’s Eve, but I’ve never lived here this long a period of time. My youngest son and my husband are here now, and right now we’re scrambling looking for a place to eat for Thanksgiving. Usually I cook for my family, but this year we’re going out.
NBC4NY: Your character in “Cinderella” has a villainous streak. Is it hard to relate to someone like that?
LEAKES: Well she’s definitely a lady with a dream. She wants her daughters to marry up, and she wants a better life for herself. Now, the way she goes about it may not be the way you go about it. But her intentions are good. I can relate to that. I’ve always been a dreamer. I want my children to have a better life. And she speaks her mind and is a little wicked, but she also has a heart. At the end, she asks to be forgiven. That’s a big thing to do.
NBC4NY: You recently completed a run in the Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas hit, “Zumanity.” What did you learn there that you plan to take with you to Broadway?
LEAKES: There were some tough audiences some nights at “Zumanity,” let me tell you. But I learned to block out all the other things that were going on around me, and really play the moment. I’m hoping I’m able to do that — to really forget about the audience being there. I’m definitely nervous.
NBC4NY: Has this experience been very different than working on “RHOA”?
LEAKES: Completely. Working on “Housewives” can be very negative at times. I think that’s the way (the producers) position the show. I’m the original — I’m the center of the show. Every season they want someone to come for me. It’s tough. Broadway is more about the work and the art. It’s being creative. And every one wants to go out there and deliver and put on a good show. It’s very positive.
NBC4NY: I can’t imagine what it must be like to work in an environment like “Housewives” where you’re constantly attacked.
LEAKES: It is hard, I’m telling you. I promise it will take everything in your body to do that. The show has definitely damaged me to the point where I don’t want to make friends with new people. People who I open up, later on they turn on me once they get a raise on the show. I always think to myself, “God, these people will work for a $1.50 to do ANYTHING.” I just can’t do it.
NBC4NY: Do you ever have any regrets about doing “RHOA”?
LEAKES: There are some things along the way that I wish I hadn’t said. Like when me and my husband had our issues, or some of the conversations I had with my son. But there aren’t things I really regret. The show has been amazing for me, and opened up many doors for me. So for that I am very grateful to Bravo.
This may be one of the best interviews with Nene I’ve ever read. You can read the entire interview here.
She’s no different from those who will do anything for a $1.50. She’s the one who stays on a “negative” show for a few pennies more. Still full of it I see. The centre of the show … mhmm
Nene built her entire tv persona on bullying and “coming for” people. Now, she’s talking about how hard it is to deal with people “coming for” her. Like a typical narcissist, Nene can dish it out, but she can’t take it. Even though I think Nene is an awful human being, I applaud her for her accomplishments. Going from a stripper pole to Broadway is an awesome feat.
Remember she never finishes anything. I read she was fired from Zummanity. She didn’t finish Apprentice because she wasn’t as smart as Star Jones or the others so she’d her Bully Pulpit on them. The only one who kissed her Azz was Latoya because her elevator doesn’t go to the top floor., just like Nene. Oh by the way was Latoya invited or did she come to the wedding.
I looove NeNe and I’m not the only one. Exhibit A: Sold out shows on Broadway for multiple nights. Is she perfect? No, but her persona appears to be genuine and fun. She will be successful with or without Bravo. NeNe has fans everywhere.
I don’t think that word means what you think it does. #genuine
I agree every season it seems the new person wants to bump heads with Nene for camera time. For example, Cynthia can’t do a scene without mentioning Nene. I’m sure Claudia will fill in line and do the same as well. But on the other hand RHOA works because it’s an ensemble cast. This season I don’t like Cynthia…she just seems pissed off all the time. I never liked shady Kenya.
Nene has turned into a giant prima donna CUNT on RHOA. Production doesn’t have to lift a finger for others cast mates to point that out.
You, Michelle are a delusional Nenetard who sees no fault in here. It’s bizarre for us to watch.
On Sat, Nov 29, 2014 at 10:00 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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OMG, Lol, I almost spit out my cherry pie. So true though..
I couldn’t say it any better thank you I so with you 100% about Nene .
Hello fellow Nene fan! Don’t listen to the naysayers, Nene is fabulous. Yes, she’s being a bit of a bitch right now but if I had to put up with Kenyas stupid ass for more than 10 minutes, I would be a bitch too.
Nene will make amends for her bad behavior and everyone will realize what a manipulative psychopath Kenya is and all will be well.
@jenny . That’s a lie . The shows are not sold out.
“I’m the center of the show.”
Uh, not no mo’ Honey. Therein lies the rub, and the source of her “rude and nasty”.
Yes mam!
On Sat, Nov 29, 2014 at 10:06 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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I’m a Sir, but that’s OK…I’ve been called much worse 😉 😉
LOL. Sorry, sir. 🙂
On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 6:02 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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ummmmmmm pssst . The shows are not sold out.
I’m not a huge Nene fan and her ego rivals the entire state of Georgia but she is the star of the show. Phae is the original shady boots, Cynthia just swings with whomever is feeding her ego, Kandi is just a hood rat who is playing Todd for a baby and Porscha is too dumb to be believed. Kenya is just silly -although getting better. New girl is still finding herself on the show so Nene is at least interesting. Again, the ego is hard to watch, but at least it is something. And unlike the others she is taking her 15 minutes of fame and running with it.
Well, I must laugh at the interpretation of Madame as really being a good person at heart. She has dreams and wants to see her daughters “marry up” while she is abusing her step daughter, but in the end she apologizes. Hmmmm. Madame will do anything to stay afloat. NeNe will do anything to stay afloat. Gotta give her props for making it to Broadway, and she sounded almost human in the interview. That “Madame is really okay” statement, is very self descriptive.
I’m definetly going to try to go . I can spare $39.00
YAAAAAAAAAAAAS! And you know my email and will send me a lengthy report! xoxoxoxooxoxo So excited. Wish I could go with you. I’d buy the tickets… Nor sure I can swing it since it’s high season at Xmas in NYC.
i just tried to rope my brother into going with me if that doesn’t work I ask my daughters , if no one will go with me I will go alone !
Yes I’m going to stop waiting and buy a to ticket tomorrow so in the small chance it gets sold out I won’t miss the show.
I always buy the half price tickets on the same day. But I never really care what show I see. They are all great. It will be worth the $ . I can’t wait for your official review!
On Mon, Dec 1, 2014 at 1:09 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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Mt mother and nieces are going in abt 2 weeks
I think they should pay me to see NENE!
ROFWL! That’s hilarious! I kinda agree with you, though.
She thinks she’s the center of the show…HILARIOUS!!!!
Someone must have finally got through to her that she needs to sound more humble in interviews, at least in those settings where she has yet to prove she has bragging rights. I wouldn’t be surprised if someone connected with the Broadway show lowered the boom on her behavior after her last appearance on WWHL. She could turn a prospective ticket buyer off very easily. This makes the 2nd interview TT has shared where Nene acts descent.
She is still unrealistic regarding RHOA, faulting others for doing what she is 10 times more guilty of herself. Jealousy eats at her. One thing to her credit, I guess, she doesn’t try to join the “pretty” group by having a face overhaul, many women would. But, then again, this is Nene, she is confident of her beauty.
I must admit, no matter what gigs she gets, or what kind of lady she may develop into appearing to be, I’ve seen too much of what seems to be the real Nene, she claims to always keep it real, to ever like her. I can say “good job” if deserved, but still think she is a disgusting person.
She’s had her breasts and nose done more than once , I wouldn’t call that confident . I’m not sure if you were kidding with the confident comment .
That’s why she looks funny. Her nose and upper lip look they are almost connected, and the teeth are too big.
I’m not sure I have ever made fun of Nene’s looks. I love people who have their own look. I think pretty much everyone is beautiful on the outside in their own way. The only thing that irks me about her physical appearance is her (deliberately) greasy legs, and Kenya does the same thing. It’s usually on WWHL. There must be a vat of Vaseline backstage and people think it’s a good idea. I’d rather see ashy than greasy.
I even like some of her wigs more than y’all do. For example I like the finger wave one.
It’s HER ACTIONS that I take issue with. Her constant desire to kick others even when she is having more successful experiences.
It’s HER continued lies about how she makes SO MUCH MORE MONEY than the others. Every gets an annual raise. She has just stayed around the longest. Claudia’s first paycheck is likely twice Nene’s first one. That makes her bitter.
And after Nene being a CUNT of MONSTEROUS proportions since season two, now she wants to say that she is the victim every season? REALLY?
Cry me a river, Nene. You started the whole CUNTY thing. Yes, mam you sure did. Not it is your turn FINALLY to be on the receiving end, from a new girl and you can’t take what you have dished out for at least five season? SIT DOWN.
I am not sure what season I started to watch RHOA but I really liked the friendship NENE and Kim had. They were a laugh a minute! I think everything changed with NENE is when Kandi gave Kim that song and NENE got so jealous, that’s when she changed and became vicious! And she got worse from there. Too bad. It was fun to watch them together
Since, this site is anti-Nene, I’m certain this post won’t make the cut. However, I want to know who will be on your next RHOA hatefest list? With Nene gone, we will see how long the show will last. This site build ups the likes of Kenya up and she is truly a troubled person and will not hold a candle to Nene. The ratings on this show is already dropping, so I guess with Nene gone we will see where the problem really lies on this show. The other HW’s are boring.
Even if we did hate, Nene here, which is a stretch. And if Kenya is troubled (and you a have not compassion for troubled people obviously. Why do you think there is a problem with the show? THe premier had it’s best rating yet!
And when Nene goes, I for one can hardly wait to see where she goes! Nene tries really hard to equate her stripper background to Kim K’s sex tape. It worked for Kim, and I’ll be damned if Nene is not making it work for her, albeit to a lesser degree.
We’re not Anti-Nene we’re former fans who are intelligent, articulate people who would CHEER for her all day long if she could just be the stripper with a heart of gold.
But she’s not. She’s shown us she is all about the money and has a heart as black as night. And she is dragging the adolescent male black child around with her as she reenters her foray into porn, and Broadway and RHOA instead of giving a second glance to his education or moral values.
You’re welcome to stan for her, but you’ll look stupid HERE doing it. We are the intellectually elite for the most part. And we are not impressed with much more than her hustle. She’s always been just that. At every income level.
It’s nice to see her doing an honest interview, but I just don’t get some of these women. Nene, Tamra, Vicki, Teresa, etc, they bring the negativity. How do they not see that??
In my best Kristen voice “DUHHLUUUUSIONALLLL!!!!”.
That’s me, sorry.
I don’t like her… at all… but screw it, good for her for getting on Broadway. It is a big deal. Plus, I have to respect a good hustle.
I agree. There are many good things about Nene. She just manages to make everyone hate her for achieving them rather than being happy for her.
Because her attitude SUCKS.
When it comes to the RHOA questions, they seem scripted because she’s repeating what she has said many times before and it’s almost as though she needs to repeat it again and again to make her point. She’s on her platform, she’s got the mic and she’s pleading her case. But, you can tell she is so ready to go or knows she’s gone. To me, with such a fantastic opportunity and great response from the audience, it seems so redundant to beat that dead horse again and again. It’s a grind. To me, it indicates she’s still invested in it and has not let go. She’s not free of RHOA in her soul, even though they will be freeing her.
OH she knows she is gone. She WAS gone in fact at one point THIS season. Procuction only relented because the Zumanity gig and the Broadway gig gave them a new twist. Production was merciful in her editing for Zumanity. There was a lot of back stage friction and She had a seriously hard time with the interactive nature of the show (calling people up from the audience to participate. and a few other things like losing lines) But it went fine for the most part. Bravo could have made her look MUCH worse.
Does bravo get a cut of her pay from Zumanity and Cinderella?
Yep they own her for at least a year after her last season ends…
On Sat, Nov 29, 2014 at 11:16 PM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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TT, of course you’re right, she knows. But, she doesn’t REALLY want to let go, so she beats it and beats it. That’s what Bravo does, makes you sell your soul and puts you in bondage. Well, she’s gonna have to really sell her wares now.
Well, she was supposed to be demoted for season six with Kenya, then got a peach (for at least part of the season) and now she is trying to explain her demotion? dismissal for next season. Personally I think all of her publicity will keep her on as FOH those whose friend I can’t imagine for season 8.
On Sun, Nov 30, 2014 at 12:04 AM, Tamara Tattles wrote:
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She continues to say how negative the show is but refuses to admit how much she contributes to that negativity
Well said my Queen. And the remark “The thirst is real” also seems to apply to her more than anyone….can we spell Zumanity?
I can feel Nene’s negativity through the tv, but I don’t think she has a clue that she’s the negativity chief. IMO, the only person on the show who is more toxic than Nene is Kandi’s mom. Kenya has toxic moments, but Nene is just plain hateful.
Agreed. If she is so positive and above-it-all, why did she go to the trouble on tonight’s episode to cast doubt on Apollo’s confession that he lied about Kenya. What’s in it for her to say that and get her minions to nod in agreement? It makes them all look so small.. Kandi called that one correctly.
Porsha, Nene and Phaedra simply hate Kenya and not for a good reason. As Kandi pointed out, who even remembers how Kenya and Nene fell out. It is very sad to see grown women so full of hate that they can’t see the truth when it is presented to them and prefer to continue to wallow in hatred. If Nene really thinks Apollo lied about lying, she should have kept that “positive” (yeah right) comment to herself.
I am surprised that when asked whether this was her first holiday season in NYC, Nene didn’t mention she was born in Queens and spent the first 4 years of her life in NYC. Since the interview was with NBC New York, I think it would have been more interesting to talk about being a native New Yorker and how it was exciting to be back as an adult to experience the holiday season in the city. To say they were scrambling to find a place to eat on Thanksgiving is such an odd response.
I also thought that was a weird answer and really had nothing to do with New York around the holidays. How hard can it be to have three RICH people eat somewhere on Thanksgiving? And With the million times she has been on WWHL, some of those had to be around the holidays??? This answer was the only one that wasn’t ON POINT in this interview. Nene was really on fire in this interview.
I can see why she left out Queens though, it conflicts with her complicated family from little ole Athens storylines that have been kicking around since she came on RHOA.
I have approved and commented on this comment THREE TIMES NOW. WordPress really hates you, or me. lol.
She ended up in New Jersey for Thanksgiving with “Family”
I think she was looking for NY restaurants (that would read/see the interview and read the part about Thanksgiving) to send her offers for FREE dinners for her family on Thanksgiving. She is such a hustler so I IMO that is so something she would be thinking. I really do think that Nene is having financial problems….they may not be bad problems just yet but if she doesn’t get a Bravo paycheck next season she may be sunk.
Yes, good interview of her’s here. But…not just with NeNe, but alot of egoics, how is it with each and every aired ATTACKING scene, SHE’S the ONE that Initiated it. Yet, she feels she was attacked? How? The ego is as fragile as it is warped. Start from season 1: The only reason Kim decided to NOT have her on the song was after learning that NeNe clowned her singing [not that it wasn’t worthy of being clowned] in that limo amongst the others. Kim thought that their friendship [one formed prior to the advent of a RHOA] was solid enough that such mocking would not be thought much less an action; thus, she decided not to sing with NeNe on wax. Do ya blame her? Being oust infuriated NeNe, to the point of not only ATTACKING Kim, verbally and physically [the reported choking incident], she also verbally ATTACKED Kandi [season 2]. Didn’t she also CONFRONT to verbally ATTACK Dwight, too? That bus ride to Miami, NeNe initiated that too. All of them where she starred, she started! NeNe, girl, who attacked you first? Stop!
You’re absolutely right. As much as she makes me laugh with her shade, she is plagued with insecurity and jealousy. She cannot handle the thought of someone else’s success…which is ironic seeing as though she claims the girls are unsupportive of hers. I am rooting for her, but I think once RHOA is over (which according to TT is this season) her run will be over and she will fade into obscurity…and Housewives will go on.
No kidding! She so conveniently forgets what SHE has done to everyone all these years! She’s been vicious on RHOA and WWHL to her “friends and co-workers, yet she is so”deluuusional” (Kristen T’s version), she thinks people are jealous and coming for her. That old saying applies here, “with friends like you, who needs enemies?”
“God, these people will work for a $1.50 to do ANYTHING.” I just can’t do it.”
Can’t do it? Of course, she can and does. Even though it “takes everything in her body,” she has extended her tenure through seven seasons. This is the same woman that staged a divorce for storyline value. She got her hand out for dat $1.50 too. #sitchoassdown
I’m so tired of nene. I’m going to spend the rest of my life avoiding her.
The good news is you won’t have to spend the rest of your life avoiding her. In a year or two, nobody will even know who nene leakes was.
She seems to have been on a good behavior kick for that interview. But we ALL know that wont last. They will get their fill of her very quickly and then she will have to peddle her goods some where else.
Nene’s ego is as bigger than her size 13 shoe, but damn if she doesn’t make me laugh out loud.
Its so important to be humble..
It is so obvious that Nene miserable being on RHOA. My guess is that the only reason she is still there is because there are very few places that she can earn a million dollars for working only a few months of the year on a job that only requires her to be herself. I’m sure she makes money on her other gigs, but RHOA is her bread and butter. I can’t stand the woman, but I like her tenacity and the way she uses Bravo to get to her next level.
A million dollars to eat, drink, and complain? I chose the wrong career.
I have been tired of Nene’s superior, holier than thou attitude for years now. She was tolerable in the beginning, before other cast members left and before she took all of Andy’s fawning at her feet for proof that EVERYONE felt the same way. The inane catchphrases……If I hear *bloop* one more time, I will throw a shoe at the television.
I believe that she suffers from *Original Housewives Delusional Disorder*. Said disorder is characterized by a massively inflated ego, thinking that the show revolves around her and will cease to be in existence without her and she and she alone can throw shade….One dare not throw shade back or question her in any form. Ramona, Teresa and Vicki all have the disorder to a degree…..Ramona and NeNe are in a league all of their own.
I think that her being in scenes with Phaedra and Kandi because no one else will film with her. All of that being said, I do take her side in the Cynthia argument. I have never liked Cynthia. Nothing malicious, she is just bland. As soon as she started on the show, she gravitated towards Nene and became her shadow, and in my opinion, has the personality of a shadow. She validated everything Nene said and believed in and became her *yes girl*. And now she is doing the same with Kenya. Being Kenya’s shadow and her *yes girl*.
This needs to be Nene’s last season. She and Ramona can go to *Scary Island* and be each other’s cheerleader.
Oh, and who takes a $15,000 Birkin bag and paint all over it with nail polish a bunch of ridiculously stupid phrases?