In April, former Real Housewives of Atlanta icon NeNe Leakes rocked the Bravo world by filing a lawsuit against the network over allegations of racism. The suit also named NBCUniversal, True Entertainment and Truly Original as defendants. Additional defendants include executives from the companies and Housewives executive producer Andy Cohen. While most housewives have remained mum, Jill Zarin is weighing in with her opinion.
The Real Housewives of New York alum told Radar Online, “I personally have never witnessed it.” Jill, who is white, added, “I don’t walk in her shoes. but I personally have never witnessed it.” I think it’s important to point out that during Jill’s time on RHONY, there were no Black cast members. The first Black housewife to join the franchise was Eboni K. Williams, who joined in 2021. Eboni dealt with her own alleged racism on the franchise. An investigation was launched against her costar, Ramona Singer, after she reportedly made racially insensitive remarks. A RHONY crew member also contributed to the complaint against Ramona.
Jill continued to defend Bravo, “Other girls I’ve spoken to on her show also have said that they didn’t feel the same way, but, it’s….you know, I can’t speak for her.” While Jill didn’t elaborate on who she spoke with from RHOA, it could possibly be alum Phaedra Parks and Eva Marcelle. Both are appearing with Jill on Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Ex-Wives Club.
NeNe’s lawsuit alleges that the network fostered “a corporate and workplace culture in which racially-insensitive and inappropriate behavior is tolerated – if not, encouraged.” NeNe is accusing former costar Kim Zolciak of making racist remarks. NeNe claims in her suit that not only were her complaints were not only ignored, but the network retaliated against her. Kim ended up with her own spin-off show, that ran on Bravo for 8 seasons.
Court documents also state that NeNe claims Bravo and NBC treated the all-Black cast of RHOA as “second class and inferior” to the white franchises. Ramona was even cited in NeNe’s lawsuit. She was used as an example of white housewives who faced no consequences after being accused of racism.
None of NeNe’s RHOA castmates have come to her defense on the lawsuit. Kandi Burruss recently refused to talk about it when asked. She stated, “I don’t think anything [of it]. I don’t have anything to say about it. Never! Absolutely have no opinion.”
TELL US – WHY DO YOU THINK JILL IS ADDING HER OPINION? DO YOU THINK IT’S FAIR FOR HER TO WEIGH IN ON THE ISSUE?
