‘RHOA:’ Is Mo’Nique Replacing Nene Leakes?
Bravo is looking to make some major changes with the Real Housewives of Atlanta cast. Rumors have already circulated that OG Nene Leakes has been fired. There are also rumblings about Phaedra Parks’ return. A new report now alleges that Bravo is in talks with adding comedian and Oscar-winning actor Mo’Nique to the cast.
Current changes suspected with ‘RHOA’
After three seasons on the show, Eva Marcille opted not to renew her contract for the upcoming season. She spent the majority of season 12 arguing with Leakes and Porsha Williams and the reunion proved to be the final straw for the former model. Marcille spoke in-depth about her decision while co-hosting The Rickey Smiley Morning Show.
Related: Eva Marcille Admits She Was Unhappy On ‘RHOA’ and Stayed For The Money
“The reality is, the ability for upward mobility and that kind of money for African Americans is hard to see. So a lot of times, we find ourselves doing things that we are not necessarily happy doing all the time so that we can get the kind of money that we know we deserve in life,” she said. “But, my questions to myself is: What is more important right now? Is it the money, or is it the movement, and the culture, and what I can impact?”
With Marcille gone, Bravo upped Yovanna Momplisair to a full-time cast member. The former close friend of Nene Leakes severed ties with the OG after feeling Leakes threw her under the bus regarding snake-gate.
Phaedra Parks is also rumored to be making a return. She was axed after lying about Kandi Burruss planning to take advantage of Williams. Buruss has vowed to leave the show if Parks returns.
Mo’Nique is reportedly in talks to join the cast of ‘RHOA’
The blogosphere has been hot with insiders alleging that Bravo has become fed up with Leakes and has fired her as a result. Leakes released a statement via her attorney denying the rumors and Bravo followed suit by explaining that no final decisions have been made. Despite such, fans of the show believe the writings are on the wall and that Leakes is either not returning, or is being demoted. Last season, she appeared in fewer episodes.
According to Media Take Out, Bravo executives are in talks with Mo’Nique to join the show in Leakes’ absence. The Oscar-winner and her controversial manager husband, Sidney Hicks, are said to be interested.
“[Sidney] is negotiating with Bravo to have Mo’Nique join the show. Nothing is done yet, but if Bravo opens up their pockets, we’ll all see Mo’Nique on the show,” an insider told the outlet.
The network is said to be attracted to Mo’Nique because of her Hollywood resume, her outspokenness, and her big personality.
Mo’Nique would add star power to the show, as the only other Hollywood actor who has been a full-time cast member is Kim Fields. Fields participated in season 7 and clashed with Kenya Moore. The other cast members also felt that she was not a good addition to the show because she came off as having a superiority complex. Fields left the show after one season.
