On April 6, NeNe shared a post featuring bold pink and white lettering that read, “Public disrespect and private apologies don’t mix.” She added a caption that simply said, “???? No Thank You.” The incident that sparked NeNe’s irritation occurred when Wendy, who was broadcasting her show from home, discussed NeNe’s new venture into singing and rapping during her Hot Topics segment.
At first, Wendy had positive things to say, expressing her support for NeNe’s talent. However, the tone quickly changed as Wendy suggested that the Real Housewives of Atlanta star needed to do things to “stay relevant,” insinuating that her rap career was a strategic move in that direction.
Wendy then revealed that NeNe called her late on the previous Friday, loudly exclaiming her name. Wendy responded, questioning the reason for the shouting and reminding NeNe that they were on speakerphone. NeNe allegedly expressed her longing to see Wendy and proceeded to ask what she was doing.
Wendy mentioned that she was watching the 10 o’clock news and couldn’t understand why NeNe was being so loud. NeNe responded by saying, “Girl, I’m here with all my people. Everybody tell Wendy ‘Hi’.” NeNe even requested a FaceTime call, which Wendy declined since it wasn’t something she typically did, even with her own parents or the show.
Wendy felt ambushed when NeNe mentioned that they were filming and wanted Wendy to be on speakerphone. Wendy pointed out that she had already done that for NeNe once last season, but she made it clear that her career went beyond being a Housewife. Wendy decided to end the call, feeling that NeNe’s request was an invasion of her professional boundaries. NeNe never reached out to apologize after Wendy hung up.
Wendy, who has worked hard for 35 years to establish herself as a prominent talk show host, emphasized that she wouldn’t compromise her career by becoming an accessory or an afterthought on a Housewives show. She expressed that such an arrangement would be beneath her and considered it “slumming.” It remains to be seen how this disagreement between NeNe Leakes and Wendy Williams will unfold, but for now, tensions seem to be running high.