Cynthia Bailey reacts to NeNe Leakes' Real Housewives of Atlanta exit
The Real Housewives of Atlanta's Cynthia Bailey has spoken exclusively to Digital Spy about long-time co-star NeNe Leakes departing the show.
Original Atlanta Housewife NeNe announced she would be leaving the Bravo and Hayu reality show in September, describing her exit as a "very hard and difficult decision".
Nobody was closer to NeNe throughout the years than Cynthia Bailey, with the two comparing their bond to sisters before falling out in the last two years.
When we recently spoke to Cynthia about the 13th season kicking off next month, the supermodel was gracious about her former friend's RHOA departure.
"I just wanted NeNe to do what was going to be best for NeNe," she explained. "We were good friends for a long time. Obviously, that has changed. But I still live in a very respectful place, in terms of whatever the relationship is called at this point.
"I wish her well. I root for her. If she had made the decision to come back, I would have been fine with that. I'm also fine with her making the decision to not come back. Whatever works for her, works for me."
Cynthia is also hopeful that NeNe will be back on TV soon — either on The Real Housewives of Atlanta or another show — since viewers' last impression of her was walking off the RHOA virtual reunion by shutting her laptop.
"That's probably not the ending that I would have personally wanted for myself," Cynthia admitted with a chuckle. "You always want to leave on a high note, a positive note.
"But, NeNe's great TV. I don't know what's going on with her. I don't know what's going on with Bravo. All I know is, if they could figure it out, her fans would be happy to see her back on television, whether it's on Bravo or whoever it is. She's great TV."
Cynthia is partnering with Seagram's Escapes along with former Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Eva Marcille Sterling on a Holiday Marketplace to support Black-owned businesses during this festive season. To offer your support during this most generous of seasons, click here.
All seasons and every episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta are available to stream and download in the UK and Ireland on hayu and hayu on NOWTV, with new episodes from Monday, December 7. Bravo airs the new season on Sunday, December 6.
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