Arguably one of the most popular of all of the Real Housewives, this diva needs no introduction, honey. With her no nonsense attitude and fierce Georgia style, she keeps us laughing every Sunday night on Bravo. In a class all her own, NeNe Leakes is the Joneses. Game recognize game and as a fellow entrepreneur, I can’t knock her hustle… had to get her On the Couch, plus y’all know how much I love RHOA! Enjoy!
CN: Did you see this for yourself? The flashing lights, the fame…
NeNe: Yes. I’m actually living my dream. As a young girl, I did theater and dance and dreamed of becoming an actress. A lot of people in life don’t get to live their dream. I’m grateful to be living mine, I just never thought I’d be living it on a reality TV show. What I did not know was that being on television came with a lot of other stuff. It’s been very bitter sweet. It’s been a sweet thing because I’ve been able to fulfill my dreams and have opportunities come to me that I wouldn’t have had without this platform. But it’s also extremely bitter because people are talking about you and saying very negative things and judging you without even knowing who you are. So there’s a lot that comes with the fame.
CN: Haters. Katt said if you got 14, you need to get to 16 by Christmas. How do you cope with them? Does it affect you?
NeNe: It totally affects me. I mean, I’m human. You have to have a strong support system and know that the people around you support and believe in who you are. So you really should only focus on those people that matter. For me, I have girlfriends, I have family members who really support me no matter what is happening or being said because they know who I am and they give me strength to carry on. And there have been many, many days that I felt like I couldn’t do it anymore.
CN: You are the star of Real Housewives of ATL and I don’t think many people would disagree with that. I’ve heard folks say, ‘NeNe has changed since the first season’, what say you?
NeNe: It has changed me. I think that it has to change you. I don’t think that you can be on a platform like this and not change.
Before, I was just a normal girl that could go inside of Target or Walmart and now I can’t, and just that alone changes you. Believe it or not, I’m a loner. I like to be by myself from time to time to gain peace of mind. I used to be able to drive my car and pull up to Walmart, get out and walk in and no one would say anything to me. But now, I don’t have that freedom. I can’t get out of my car without everybody stopping me and wanting to talk or take pictures… and all I really wanted to do was shop. So yes, that changes you. I have stalkers now… which you normally wouldn’t have, I’d imagine. It has to change who you are. I would have to say that I’ve grown a lot. I wouldn’t say that I’ve changed for the worse, I’ve certainly changed for the better.
CN: I’m sure it’s made you stronger… that thicker skin I hear about…
NeNe: Absolutely. When you go through things it absolutely makes you stronger. Going through things are a blessing actually. Those are the things that are going to shape you and make you into a better person.
CN: How do you stay grounded?
NeNe: I’m very regular. I’ve never really cared about fame. I never walked around and said, ‘I want to be famous’. What I used to say was, ‘I want to work’. All I wanted to do was work, make a check and take care of my family. F’ the fame, that doesn’t help me in any kind of way. At the end of the day, I don’t really care about being famous or signing autographs… what’s important to me is being able to provide for my family. So those things make me NeNe, they make me regular. Every body thinks I’m fabulous. Really, I’m just a Tshirt and jeans kind of girl. You see what I’m wearing today. I don’t wear makeup everyday, I don’t even get my hair done everyday. It’s probably because I grew up in a small southern town… it stayed with me because I continue to be humble and down to earth.
CN: How do you respond to the comment, ‘Real Housewives of Atlanta perpetuates the angry black woman stereotype’?
NeNe: Well, I’d have to say that I agree. It perpetuates just that. I watch the show too.
We shoot for months and months and we can shoot great happy scenes and scenes where there’s no drama but once it hits the air, they’re only playing scenes where there were arguments. So yes, I would have to agree. I feel like there is a lot of negativity in reality… you have to be a very strong person to do a reality show. There are a lot of people that say they want to do it or they want to be famous, but reality shows are very difficult. And they do play on the negative.
CN: It gets the ratings.
NeNe: [Laughter]. We are the highest rated in the franchise and our show does seem to focus on the whole negative thing quite a bit. There are some girls that are really okay with it. There are others like myself… I’m really not okay with it. I’m strong, I happen to know who I am, I’ve been through a lot, I’ve learned a lot… I don’t thrive off of the negativity.
CN: You’re a reality star, entrepreneur, and now a single mom. How do you balance it all?
NeNe: Well you know, it’s difficult. I never pictured myself as a single mom… once I got married, I thought it was forever. Gregg is still very much in my life, we just don’t live together. I do have Gregg’s support… he does help me out with the kids, I have to give him that. He’s a good dad. So with the help from Gregg and some higher help, we make it work. I’m out of the state right now. My kids are in Georgia and I’m in California and it’s difficult.
CN: In an episode this season, you told Cynthia that Gregg came over and one thing led to another… and in the end, he laid. it. down. Given your history and his ‘abilities’, is there a possibility that y’all would get back together?
NeNe: [Laughter] We had been together for 15 years and I’ve known him since I was in my 20s and I must say that it is definitely a possibility that we could get back together at some point in our lives. It’s just that right now, it’s very difficult. The reality show is hard on Gregg, it’s a strain on our relationship. I think that Gregg and I have a lot of love for each other, so it’s definitely possible.
CN: Besides Apprentice, what other opportunities have come your way since the last season of Real Housewives of Atlanta? How do you pick and choose which ones you want to do?
NeNe: Well I have an agent, manager and lawyer, and we all team together to think about what’s best for the brand. Granted we have many opportunities that come to us and I’d like to take all of them, but I have to understand that everything is not for me. Since last season, I’m a restaurateur. I own a restaurant in the Sacramento Airport called Famous Famiglia.
CN: Work! Tell me of this Miss Moscato… can I get a bottle? I’m what some would call a connoisseur…
NeNe: [Laughter] Yes girl, you know I love wine! I have my own wine out called Miss Moscato. You’ll love it. I also have my line of Tshirts out with my sayings, “I’m very rich’, ‘I’m very rich bitch’, and ‘Bloop Bloop’. I have two different lines, one blinged out with Swarovski and they go for $150 a piece, and since I know that everyone can’t afford a 150 dollar Tshirt, I have the cheaper version that’s $54.99…. it looks like Swarovksi, but it’s not. I’m also working on a line of shoes.
Besides, that, I also have a lot of TV opportunities that have come to me. Television and film. I just recently guest starred on Lets Stay Together, and Reed Between the Lines. I’m in LA working on a major show that I’m not allowed to talk about.
CN: Get your paper booboo!
NeNe: Since my reality show success, I’ve come to believe that what’s for me is for me. I don’t try to stop anyone’s blessings and I really don’t appreciate when people try to stop mine. I don’t go after these jobs… often times, people come and find me and that’s how I know that it’s meant for me. And I credit that to the show. The show has been great at this. It’s a great platform. Some people love me and some people love to hate me and all of that just works for me. Because I personally believe that I have favor on my life.
CN: Any advice for my readers thinking about a new business venture?
NeNe: I have to say that it is scary when you don’t know what the future holds. It’s always scary. You have to step out on faith, that’s all you can do at the end of the day and say, ‘it has to work for me’, and do it. And certainly, there will be set backs and moments when you feel as if you can’t go on, but you have to keep trying. If it’s something that you really believe in and something you really want to do, you will find the strength to keep trying. ‘Cause I can tell you this, there is nothing like living your dream.
CN: This is a hair blog, so I must [Laughter]– have we ever seen your hair on the show?
NeNe: I get my hair pressed. [Laughter] My hair is wavy. People think I wear wigs, but I don’t. I don’t even like wigs. During the first season, when my hair was longer, I wore a weave. But you know how it is… when you start weaving you get really addicted and when you get it taken out, you’re like, ‘oh my gosh, I hate my hair’. So I cut it short and rocked a weave, and I would take pieces out and pieces out until I got more and more comfortable with my own hair. Every now and then, I’ll put a track in my bang for volume and color, so I don’t have to color my own hair.
But that’s it. The rest of my hair is pressed. It’s very thin naturally. I used to get a relaxer but it thinned it out even more. I like to play in hair color too much to perm and it’s always dangerous to try to do both.
But I love my short hair honey. My girlfriends say you should try to go long or wear a wig. I don’t’ like wigs. I don’t like long hair, it gets on my nerves… when my hair was longer, I would always do a ponytail or pull it back. I didn’t like it in my face. Plus, I’m thinking outside of the box. On my show everyone has long hair. They all have long hair, they all look the same… I can see one or two, but everyone’s hair is the same. These girls aren’t really smart, ’cause just that alone, makes me stand out. I’m short and blond. It works.
I love NeNe! NeNe needs no one, she can stand alone unlike the other gossip mongers.Sheree will befriend any castmember who's getting the most air time, {HINTS} her orchestrated fight with NeNe.
I believe Sheree made the beef with NeNe up. Had Sheree not picked that fight with NeNe, Bravo wouldn't have any usable footage of Sheree for the whole season.Sheree's soooo boring.
I stopped reading the article after I caught her in lie. First she says it was always her dream to be an actress. Then later she says she never wanted fame, she just wants to work, get a check and provide for her family. *massive eyeroll*
Girl BYE!
And for the people who are saying she's lying about her hair texture…how do you know!?! So you can speak on somebody elses' life huh? Interesting
I've read the comments and some people didn't like the interview or the fact that Nene was interviewed, but no one stated that they are trying to force Nikki to justify her interview. People have opinions. On ANY blog, it is expected that opinions will be expressed. Some people love Nene, some don't. No one need hold their opinion just because it may not be music to someone else's ear. The negative comments can always be removed if they create too much trauma in someone's mind.
I'm trippin' on how and why Nikki has to justify as to WHY she's doing an interview with NeNe or any other non natural hair celeb. Last time I typed in the URL to the blog, it was curlyNIKKI.com, not curlywhoshotJohncausewhatIsaygoes.com….Yeah I said. This is NIKKI's blog…she can interview whoever the hell she damn well pleases. Girl Bye. *drops mic*
This interview and many of the comments reveal what our society has come to revere- ignorance, lack of interest in truly seeking knowledge and culture, coarseness and the thinking that money and designer labels(no matter how it's made) will miraculously turn you into someone new.
And we wonder why our communities are going downhill. In the Brazil article that followed, many commenters wonder why the world views us so poorly. This kind of stuff doesn't help. But hey, if you can get that dollar, go ahead. Right?
Reality TV does for women what the woman-hating type of Gangsta Rap did. I guess some people are OK with making a dollar like that. 🙂
Kisha, Nene's youngest son is 12 or 13. As for her "grown" son…he's legally a man, but his actions say otherwise. Parenting doesn't stop when a child hits 18 anyway. Rv. Run said something about them needing more guidance at that age and I agree.
Nikki, I LOVED this interview! NeNe is by far the most entertaining of the Atlanta Housewives. I don't agree with all of her actions (especially after Season 1), but I wouldn't tune in if not for her antics.
Great interview Nik, I see how you stayed neutral and didn't go easy on her. I enjoy the off interviews, keep them coming!
I LOVE NeNe! I wish I could meet her….I have so much to ask her, because I really do believe that underneath the facade (that is her paycheck…bloop bloop), she is a decent person! Get it Ms. NeNe
@Anonymous 11:33AM so you know NeNe personally? You've spent time with her and her family to get a great assessment of the type of person she is or are you basing your judgment off of what you've seen on television…I'll wait
Damn there are some hating ass biotches in here. Who gives a f*** what nene does, I know… Perhaps you should be a good example in your daily walk. Also, why can't Nikki interview whomever she wants? Does that hurt your feelings. Wait shouldn't u haters be at work or something.
I agree with Anonymous @ 2:16 AM. When did we become all about the "hustle" at all costs? Every pursuit of money is not worthy of praise and admiration. Nene Leakes is a classless, arrogant example of what our society values.
Unfortunately, drama and negativity sells and receives higher ratings over anything positive. We empower these people to exist and to make the money that they make. If there was no fame or money to be had, these shows would not exist. These folks could not sell T-shirts or anything else if someone wasn't out there supporting. Even now, with those speaking out on whether they love or hate Nene, she's gotten more recognition than some of the more thought provoking and uplifting posts. We are creating these beasts but then we wonder why they get out of hand…smh…
Nikki don't forget to delete the negative comments (remember). As for the T-shirts….who will be buying t-shirts for 150.00/55.00 to display that message? She won't be getting rich with the t-shirts. NeNe knows what she is doing to make the show rating go to the roof.
Nikki has made it more than clear that she interviews both natural and non-natural celebs. My issue stems more from the fact that I also see this blog as one about the uplift of women of color, and, in my opinion, NeNe goes against that. Her choice to be in the public eye means that she opens herself to this type of scrutiny. She does thrive off the negativity despite what she says because it's that negativity, that drama, that gets the ratings that have made her a rich woman.
I really take issue with overpriced bedazzled shirts with messages I genuinely feel perpetuate negative stereotypes. I think her celebrity status gives her a platform to do something more positive, and I simply do not see it. Now I know she doesn't care about what I think, and I respect that, she'll keep doing her. But it's sad.
#teamnene
Keep doing you girl!
I first have to say thank you Nikki for this interview. I was waiting patiently for it. Now, about Nene and her businesses. I think that it's great that she's doing what every other reality tv star does i.e. Kardashians and using this venue as a stepping stone to success. I think Nene is a smart woman who is using "what she got to get what she want" lol. Stop hating.
Whether you love or hate NeNe or any of the interviews that CurlyNikki chooses to feature on HER blog, it is just that…. HER BLOG. Whatever her motivations she has a right to say and do whatever she feels. If you don't like it no one is forcing you to go online and read it…just move on and find a blog that is better suited to your needs. I overall enjoy this blog and if there is an article on here I don't like I skip on to the next or I just check back later. Everyone is not going to like everything and that is called freedom of choice people. Keep doing you Nikki!
Nikki I don't mind the celeb only interviews that are non-natural hair related. However, I do think if NeNe wants us to believe her is wavy she is as dumb as she is 'edited' on the show. My 2cents.
Her dream was to be on reality tv? Shaking my head..
Big fan Nikki and no disrespect.. but these last couple of interviews haven't taught me much about hair, natural beauty, nothing..
Maybe on necolebitchie but on curlynikki?
Wow! I didn’t know NeNe had so many Anonymous people that dislike her. While I don't agree with everything NeNe does and says, I respect her hustle. If she doesn't use her "15 minutes" of fame to the extent, then she's the loser. Get what you can, while you can. NeNe has come a long way and is making a brand for herself. As far as strippers, "Ridiculous" was ridiculous! I love a fine naked man but watching him suck his own penis and putting it in someone's drink is a tad bit too much for me. I see nothing sexy about that. Just because NeNe was once a stripper does she have to stay and condone the Ridiculous act?!?! Sometimes you have to leave the past where it is in order to move forward. IMO, she is the only original housewife that has come up. She's now making her own money and taking care of herself. I see nothing wrong with that. Do you Boo (NeNe)!! One last thing…every interview that Nikki does…do it honestly have to be about natural hair all the time? Nikki also interviewed Sheree…I don't recall there being so many negative comments about her. NeNe is the RHOA…without her, there would be no show. Like or love it, that's just the way it is. Btw, somebody will buy those T-shirts for $54.99 the $100 ones too, LOL!!!!!
I've never watched RHOA so I never had an opinon on her but based off of this interview I have to say that I see what the blogs mean when they through shade at her…she contridicted herself constantly in the piece and she seems self absorbed esp for having the nerve to say she's selling an "affordable" t-shirt for 54.99…bish pls!
@ Anon 8:39 AM
I think we've all seen more than 5 minutes of her life.
One thing stood out to me…she is selling T shirts for $150 but for those that can't afford it she has another 'blinged' out version for $54.99. Did she REALLY just say tha??!! hahaha..makes ZERO sense. I wish her success but I want her to very wise and picky on the business ventures she chooses to embark on. It might be a hit or miss…them shirt? #MISS
I'm really disappointed to see Nene interviewed on this blog. She doesn't even wear her real hair out and she's a horrible person who perpetuates many a stereotype. Nene goes against many of the feel good, uplifting articles that are featured on here. I'm just completely disappointed.
LOL @ Ridiculous #thstisall
Wish she would have been asked why, given the fact that she herself was stripper was she so disgusted by "Ridiculous" the Male Stripper who Phaedra hire to work at Kandi's bday party. Nene seemed to think that because the guests were wearing Loboutin shoes and other high end designers, there was too much 'class' int he room for the presence of a stripper.
Doesn't she realize that clothes (even by a high end designer) do not bestow character traits? IF you are a hood rat without the clothes, you are going to be one in them too. Lol!
Great interview Nikki. I love NeNe and I'm happy to see that she is making the best of this opportunity and exploring other ventures.
Nene, a "businesswoman"??? Nah, she's more like a "bidnisswoman".
It's gonna be a sad day when her 15 minutes are up. I respect the hustle, but its clear your not doing much for the race.
How is Nene a single "mom"? I thought both her kids were over the age of 18. Where are these "kids" she speaks of? Last time I checked, they were grown MEN.
Woo I see we've got two teams up in here! Thanks for the comments dolls and I'm glad you enjoyed the interview.
After the millionth comment about my tendency to do interviews with celebs that have absolutely nothing to do with natural hair, I created two separate tabs under 'on the couch'! Now, we have curly celebs and celeb exclusives. So don't be surprised when Kim Z. of RHOA shows up, lol!
xoxo
Black, whtie, purple or blue, I can't stand her attitude anymore. I liked her in the first 2 seasons, but her ego is off the Richter! Oh well, maybe its because I'm a "hater" or not "rich" enough. Le sigh.
For those of you who say you love NeNe, more power to you. As they say, "there's no accounting for taste". As for me, what people consider acceptable (and entertaining) these days is simply appalling. All those ghetto, country-ass people who have gained recognition for their ridiculous behavior are an embarassment to the human race, not just black folk. At this point in our daily struggle what do people like NeNe Leakes, Derek J and other modern day Steppin Fetchit's represent? Progress–I think not! Those of you who are entertained by her, what is it about her that you find extraordinary? What about this interview impressed you? She clearly lied about her hair and her lack of desire for fame. Expensive t-shirts exclaiming "I'm Very Rich Bitch", yeah, that's really classy! NeNe lives in a fantasy world where "reality" is grossly blurred. Wake up beautiful Black women. The undignified images of women portrayed on RHOA and shows like it are not "real" by any stretch of the imagination. People are tuning in to see the drama. NeNe admits the show plays up the drama, yet she's more than happy to continue to be a part of it and make money doing so. I'm all for black women being successful and gettin' their hustle on, but not at the expense of the image of all Black women. (emc)
Team Nene 🙂
NeNe rocks and anybody that judges a person based on a 45 minutes show (minus the commercials) speaks more about your character than theirs.
It is true that the white women on reality television act just as bad as the black. But at the end of the day who gets more positive media coverage. Whites have more positive images to out weight the negative, blacks on the other hand don't. It's cool that you can get celebrities to be featured on your site, but I don't see a connection the natural hair. Most of the interview was about her show. :/
Dang Nene's got some haters! What's funny is that everyone watches, or they wouldn't have such strong opinions. Like you said, rather they hate you or love you it all works. You look beautiful by the way!
BAHAHA This made me smile… I love Nene 🙂
Love you Nene!! You tell the truth and most people don't want to hear the truth, hence all the haters! You can't judge a person by seeing five minutes of their life.
Yuk!
For those who wanted to know what this has to do with natural hair…Nikki stated once she got the interview that it had no relation to natural hair, but she loves RHOA and wanted to do the interview.
This is a great article, and a great topic to explore. Thanks for sharing, Nene!
I love NeNe! and I appreciate this interview because in others she comes off a bit odd but this one seems genuine. She may be a loud mouth, but she speaks her mind, and comes off as a honest person.
Do you boo! capitalize on your opportunities because I remember when you were just a housewife; now you're a reality star and more. All the best Nene!
SMH
It is so sad that once people get a bit of fame, they think they are automatically full of wisdom and intellect. Nene is what she is- a "businesswoman" who capitalized on what she could with her limited skills. Can't hate her for that. It just annoys me when people like her try to expand it to mean more than it is.
Obtaining money does not make you intelligent, wise, educated or classy- all truly admirable traits which cannot be obtained with ease and in a quick, bartering fashion. Nene doesn't represent me or anyone I choose to associate myself with, so she doesn't embarrass me. Sadly, chicks like her are a dime a dozen- loud, uncouth and looking for a dollar anyway she can. Yup, I don't hate her hustle, I just don't find it admirable, impressive or one worthy of exemplifying. Just my 2 cents.
I always find it funny when people blame the way they look on these reality shows on editing. Regardless if it's "edited," it's still YOU acting that way. I'm so supportive of her business ventures, go on Guurl! I have a problem with her in that she contradicted herself during this interview. She started off saying that she is living her dream and she always wanted to act when she was a child then later in the interview she said that she doesn't care for fame (***crickets***) I also have a problem with her saying that the other ladies aren't smart. Why even go there talking about them and putting down their intelligence? She should just focus on her ventures and leave it at that. No need for putting other people down.
I too appreciated Nene's"character " in the beginning But now she's embarrassing. Being real on a reality show? Whatever.I wouldn't spend $59.00 on a t shirt either. Was hoping we'd get to see her natural hair, guess that's too real also. Use your platform wisely for hwoa just about tapped out.
I'm not a fan of NeNe anymore. She plays up her character for fame. At first she seemed real yet funny and genuine…now she is just loud and crass. Sad to see she had to become a stereotype and sell out for money. Her original character was what people liked.
Just because it's not a wig, doesn't mean it's your real hair. A weave is fake hair too, so don't think you are fooling anybody when you say you don't wear wigs.
Hey Nikki, could you look at her hair during the interview and tell if it was real or not?
I also have no intention of shelling out $55 for t-shirt that I can make at home with some supplies from Michael's.
It's funny how as a people, we always try to flaunt how much money we have, when we are the poorest race as a whole. I would never wear a shirt with the word BITCH on it. I certainly wouldn't pay $55 to wear it.
Ugh. We need to quit buying into the black people as a monolith idea. I've watched them all except the RHOOC and RHOM and all the broads on the RH franchises are messy. Yet when someone indicates that the RHOA is a perpetuating a stereotype, so many of us–yep, Black people–are quick to agree. I mean, the RHONY cast members have been downright vicious and yet I've never seen anyone accuse them of "cooning" or "buffoonery".
@Anon 8:21: If you're the only black person at your job & you're asked questions, why is it not okay for you to politely point out that the reality on that show is not yours (if its not)–anymore than the reality on RHONJ or RHOBH or RHONY is likely not theirs–so you can't answer their questions. You can only represent you. OR they may ask you questions simply because you watch the show…something to think about. Of course, if you don't watch it, you wouldn't know whether or not this show "degrades any race", right?
It's meant for entertainment purposes only. The reality that's going on in the black community as a whole makes MUCH more of an impression than this show. Judging someone's life based on a pieced together hour is ludicrous–accept that hour as what it is.
That being said, I LURVE Linnethia Leakes on the RHOA. I LURVE that she is able to capitalize on the "brand" that she's created of and for herself. I LURVE that she makes no apologies for that brand. I LURVE that she's about the business of being about her business. She is confident & comfortable in her skin (even if there might be a tad bit of crazy thrown in).
Good interview, except I'ont think I believe that hair story she gave you.
I stopped feeling NeNe when she started making nasty skin color remarks to Latoya Jackson on Celebrity Apprentice. There are too many times that she comes off as very ignorant.
I still love me some NeNe.. every since she called Kim a " low down dirty monkey wit a wig on"!!
There is nothing wrong with being real. However, if NeNe is the definition of "real," then I am glad that I am not. She seems very insecure and reminds me of that girl in high school who would do anything just to have the spotlight on her. While that behavior is acceptable in the 10th grade, in your 40s it is just plain sad.
Still don't know NeNe Leakes! What's her real name?
Wow…my hair is wavy…yeah right and she hasn't had a nose job either! ((side-eye w/raised brow)) Who does she think she's fooling?
Yeah bring back CLASS…like the Cosby Show of the 90s!!!! Not Aunt Yo Mammie I'm So Rich!
love the Katt williams reference!
I LOVEEEEEEE NENE!
I agree with the fact that there are women like those portrayed in RHOA commenting on this very board. As another commentor stated, we better be glad we don't have a camera crew following us around, editing out the positivity and only publishing the negativity. This is weeks to a month, cut down to an hour. Cmon now….lol ALOT of ish has been cut out.
Big ups to NeNe and I love that she is staying grounded despite all of the negative rumours that surround her character.
I'm another RHOA fan. It's entertaining. It makes me chuckle. It's as simple as that. NeNe is the star.
As for some of the negative images of black females, Michelle Obama and Oprah balance it all out for me. LOL Enjoyed the interview, Nik. Keep'em coming. Wouldn't mind reading about Cynthia or Phaedra. 🙂
Dont wear wigs? And only adds bangs?…who she think she foolin…lol
Great article Nik! I love Real Housewives and I'm not ashamed to admit. I'm glad Nene is making her way beyond the reality star fame.
I enjoyed the article. Thank you Nikki…and NeNe.
(regardless of what is portrayed in the show at least NeNe is using the platform to branch out. Gotta have a hustle).
I just dont appreciate people "shucking and jiving" on television for money and promoting coonery because thats just not ok.
Thanks for the article Nik!!
I don't watch RHOA but I knew who NeNe was and I think she's gorgeous.
Not a fan of reality shows that degrades any race, person, etc… In my opinion, her show is one. Being the only black at my job and hear my white co-workers who watch make comments or ask me questions about what they see embarrasses me. T.V. is flooded with nonesense and many wonder why our children, the education sytem and strong families are failing. Is easy too call someone a hater when they dont agree with something or somebody that they see is nonesense. If a camera followed me around you will see my imperfections nothing that minimize my self worth for a fat bank account. Though my account may not reflect it, I'M RICH TOO, RICHLY BLESSED …Not judging or hating just voicing my opinion and I am not getting paid for it..
"<3mycurls" (could not log in under my Google account but did want to be anonymous)
What I don't get is that these reality "stars" always complain about being judged when people don't know them.
I think people will and should be judged by their character, and the character that we see portrayed isn't exactly admirable.
You know that reality shows will most likely paint you in a bad and negative light, though it might not be "who you really are."
Do you really value your character, who you really are, or is the money and recognition too good to ditch a character wrecking reality show?
I'm happy for NeNe.even after her 15mins of fame she has branched out and has other ventures.Like she said they edit the good times and make it about the drama..Like one comment said people do like to act without all the fame..For example Sade is a singer and she is so low key..But all the girls always talking about NeNe..even when she not around.And there is more "White" people reality shows than blacks but no one raises a hand about how they portrayed..We get all in a bunch but check out other shows and see how they carry on..
Great Article interview Nikki!
I LOVE Nikki and Love even more Curlynikki.com but I really hated this interview with NeNe!'F' the Fame but yet she has a line of ridiculously priced T-shirts stating "I'm very rich" and "I'm very rich bitch"?? What's up with that?! RHOA, Basketball Wives etc, etc portray women negatively, period, especially black women! Talk about mindless TV. I'm not saying that every show on TV has to have a message or deep concepts but there are very few black, positive role models on TV these days because we accept these type of shows. We don't have to dumb down television shows to make them entertaining! And we don't have to dumb down or make black people ghetto to get ratings.
As a viewer of many of the Real Housewives shows (hangs head in shame, lol), I personally don't think it perpetuates the stereotype of angry black women. In just about all the shows the women are screaming at each other and can barely be in a room without an argument starting. I think the shows play on the catty-ness stereotype of women. In Beverly Hills they drink and fight like every episode, and viewers know the New Jersey cast is a hot mess. I think black people just get a little more embarassed when we are on tv looking ignorant because we feel it will be taken as a reflection of the race as a whole but we need to get over that. There are fools of many races all over tv. Sorry this had nothing to do with hair, lol.
Nene puts on a minstrel show. Just horrible. Booo to this article.
I'm not surprised it's the most viewed housewives. It's definitely the drama and the reason I tune in every season and Nene is my favorite! Now, how do I get a bottle of that wine!
I agree with Anon @ 6:16. We already know editing is everything with with "reality" TV. We're just lucky there isn't a camera crew following us around and editing our lives to show our bad days. Go ahead Nene. Hating brings ratings. 🙂
I love Nene! Forget the haters Nene!
I'm not a fan of NeNe Leakes. She acts a fool on that show.
I don't see how the arrogant, loud and obnoxious Ms. NeNe Leakes correlates to natural hair care.
Just as we are moving higher in loving our own hair, I hope we move higher in finding jobs that please us all-around: making money while perpetuating positivity. I couldn't work for folks and help them perpetuate the angry black woman stereotype. I would quit. I'm done watching RHOA! I'm glad NeNe doesn't perm and is more comfy with her own hair. Peace.
I have to disagree with most of the comments. I really like Nene and I think she is misunderstood. I believe she lashes out at people when she feels attacked…just my observation.
SN: Just because someone wants to be an actress, doesn't necessarily mean it is for the fame. Some people do it for the love of the craft and the paycheck.
agreed w/ anonymous @ 6:14. I am not a fan of Nene. At all. And she wears a horrid looking bleached out weave. Nene is a monster….and not the cool Nicki Minaj kind.
54.99 for a t-shirt with "classy" rhinestones? "Child Pleeeease"
Okay, NeNe said she's living her dream and always wanted to be an actress. Then she says "f" the fame and she doesn't care about it. Well doesn't being an actress typically lead to fame? So, she is contradictory.
Yea I'd have to agree, someone who is real and humble that's not fake always seems to shine threw and her light does not shine that bright. She has certainly changed since the first seasons to now, let's all remember "She's Very Rich Now!" What's sad to me is how a person can actually let a show and a bit of money and good fortune go to there head as it has with her and forget to be humble and grateful for the blessings! After this show and her 15 min runs out then what?
I think Nene gets a bad wrap. I like her in your face attitude and I'm happy for all of her success.
As much as I love CN…I gotta say booo to this interview with Nene. Not hating, just don't like her overall attitude and negativity which she claims is her 'being real'. And her actions on Celebrity Apprentice were even worse.
NeNe has a weave thats cut really short. You can tell that hairstyle she is sporting isnt her natural hair.