Andy Cohen is getting candid about NeNe Leakes‘ surprising return to “The Real Housewives” franchise after six years away. In a new interview, the Bravo figurehead shed some light on the network’s upcoming series, “Ultimate Girls Trip,” which will celebrate the iconic franchise’s 20th anniversary.
Speaking with Vulture, Cohen, 57, opened up about Leakes’ comeback to the Bravosphere after she sued the network for racial discrimination in April 2022. Since then, the outspoken television personality has been absent from the genre, making only very rare appearances on Lifetime and the Zeus Network.
Things changed in January 2026, though, when Leakes confirmed in a video that she had reached a deal with the network to appear in the upcoming special, which features over 60 “Real Housewives” stars from past and present seasons.
“I am happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo,” she said in a video, according to The Blast. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth.”
Cohen implied that it was a no-brainer for the network to include Leakes in the 20th anniversary series, considering she’s one of the marquee players who put the show on the map. Cohen also seemed unfazed by the previous lawsuit, stating that they’ve all left it in their rearview.
“We are celebrating 20 years of the Housewives. I can’t speak to that lawsuit, but it’s in the past. She was integral to the show and its success. As we looked back on 20 years, it felt like doing something with her would be really nice for the fans, and she really wanted to do it. It was very positive,” he said.
Leakes’ comeback video caused quite a stir online, as “Real Housewives” veterans and other Bravo stars flocked to her social media accounts to congratulate the 58-year-old on her return.
Cohen commented, “Couldn’t celebrate 20 years without you,” prompting Leakes to respond, “Thank you so much for everything. Love you, butter cup, no matter what.”
In her video, Leakes thanked her “Real Housewives of Atlanta” co-stars, specifically Phaedra Parks and Porsha Williams, for advocating for her while she was away.
“So many people that have continued to throw my name in the ring,” she said. “Thank you to everybody over at Bravo. Thank you to all the people over at Truly Original. Thank you, Shed Media. Thank you to the producers on the ground who are calling and texting me, wanting this to be an amazing thing.”
NeNe Leakes Sued Bravo In 2022 And Got Into A Nasty War Of Words With Andy Cohen
Leakes’ Bravo revival comes after the “RHOA” legend sued the network in 2022, claiming that she was the victim of a racist and hostile work environment.
“NBC, Bravo and True foster a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated — if not, encouraged,” a portion of Leakes’ lawsuit read. “As the Black Lives Matter movement swept our nation, Mrs. Leakes — Bravo’s historically most successful Black female talent — should have been embraced by NBC, Bravo, and True.”
Continuing, it read, “Instead, NBC, Bravo, and True forced her out of the ‘house she built,’ denying her a regular role.”
Amid that, Leakes and Cohen were involved in an intense social media battle, which resulted in Leakes calling the “Watch What Happens Live” host a “c-kehead.”
Bethenny Frankel Surprised Bravo Reunited With Leakes
Former “Real Housewives of New York” star Bethenny Frankel also sounded off on Leakes’ return, admitting she was “thrilled” for the mother of two. However, she said she was confused by Bravo’s decision, noting that their previous issues create an “interesting dynamic” moving forward.
Frankel also seemed to take credit for Leakes’ sudden reconciliation with Bravo, claiming she had previously pitched a similar show to executives before calling it a “positive thing” that the bridge wasn’t burned.
“You’re welcome,” Frankel said. “Time heals all wounds.”
Leakes Joined Other ‘Real Housewives’ Stars On Capitol Hill
Weeks after confirming her return, Leakes appeared alongside other “Real Housewives” stars, Luann de Lesseps, Melissa Gorga, Phaedra Parks, Candiace Dillard Bassett, Marysol Patton, and Erika Jayne, on Capitol Hill to advocate for HIV funding.
Leakes told the media that she was one of the best people to speak out about the problem because of her direct personality. “Going back to Housewives, like, I’m the perfect person to ask all of the questions — I will ask them anyway. Literally, I ask them anything,” she said, per The Blast. “We usually all bust out laughing, but I need to understand, I need to know.”
