Real Housewives

Brandi Glanville has unveiled her defense in the defamation case Joanna Krupa filed against her ... Joanna's at least as much of a bitch as her, so she should shut up.

As we reported, Joanna's suing Brandi, claiming she was defamed when Brandi told Andy Cohen her vagina smelled like fish.

Brandi says in new legal docs what she's doing is nothing compared to Joanna's campaign of bitchiness, saying Joanna taunted her on Twitter by giving her the finger after the Hard Rock in Tampa cancelled Brandi's personal appearance.

And Brandi says Joanna has publicly ridiculed her, claiming she was a drunk and a racist with a "little brain" ... and she's trailer trash.

It gets worse. Brandi notes Joanna had the audacity to wear a "TEAM RIMES" tank top in public.

NeNe Leakes made it clear to our photog ... 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' is on its own next season, because she will not appear at all ... not even occasionally.

Producers floated the possibility of a reduced role for NeNe in Season 8, but she shot that down in a big way Wednesday at LAX.

The buzz is that the show is in trouble without her. NeNe seems to agree.

And this is interesting ... she said her decision to leave the show never had anything to do with money.

As we reported, she's signed on to do an ABC game show, "To Tell the Truth."

Brandi Glanville is trying to put on a brave face after getting the ax on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," but she made it clear to our photog ... she's now in a financial pickle.

Brandi confirms what we already told you ... she'll be making occasional appearances, but her paychecks will be slashed and now she has to figure out how to make ends meet.

NeNe Leakes isn't done with "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" ... TMZ has learned producers want her to come back in a reduced role, and she's game.

Our sources say, although NeNe made it seem she was gone for good, the show's producers are still angling to have her appear periodically during the season.

As we reported, NeNe bailed on the show because the money wasn't right. She's already committed to doing a primetime network sitcom, and the only way she'd continue on 'RHOA' was if they delivered a wheelbarrow full of cash ... to make the crushing workload worthwhile.

But our sources say NeNe is open to a part-time role on 'RHOA,' again if the money is right and it fits with her sitcom schedule.

We're told Bravo is absolutely interested, and the negotiations will begin soon.

NeNe Leakes is finally hitting the road after 7 seasons on 'RHOA' cause she couldn’t get the big bucks she was looking for ... and now the show’s worried she’s taking the fans with her.

Sources tell TMZ the reason for the NeNe’s change of heart had to do with contract negotiations.

Everyone part of the show is at a loss for words over NeNe’s sudden departure since the show was just about to start filming its new season in the next couple of weeks.

Cast members have been dropping like flies recently but now producers are scrambling because they just lost their queen bee ... and we’re told they’re worried they’ll take a huge hit in the ratings over it.

The show already found a replacement -- actress, model and singer Kim Fields -- but no one can really replace NeNe who was arguably the network’s biggest star.

NeNe is going to be focusing on new projects outside the biz ... one of which is her own clothing store that we reported on before.

You know what they say, you gotta spend money to make money … guess Bravo never learned that lesson.

Lisa Vanderpump is scoffing at Brandi Glanville's claim she was not fired from "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," calling her explanation a "crock of poo."

Lisa and Kyle Richards were leaving Villa Blanca in Bev Hills Wednesday when our photog asked about Brandi's claim she left on her own terms.

There are reports Brandi was 86'd because she didn't get along with all the girls, especially Lisa. But Vanderpump only wishes she had the juice to kick that kind of ass.

Brandi Glanville says she's willing to give 'Real Housewives' a second chance -- if the show wants to give her one, which is cute ... since producers already cut her, but sounds like she's still available.

Glanville went on her podcast and announced the news TMZ already broke last week -- that she's leaving 'RHOBH,' but she made it seem like it was her decision, not the show's.

As we also told you, Bravo was open to having her as an occasional guest next season. Check out the clip -- Brandi's either totally up for that, or telling her old bosses ... thanks, but no thanks. It's hard to tell ... especially since she offered a cryptic hint about what else she might do for money.

We'll miss you, Brandi ... and your nipple, too.

Claudia Jordan got caught smack in the middle of a massive pileup Wednesday in Atlanta ... TMZ has learned.

According to our sources, Jordan and her friend were driving on Interstate 20 when 2 cars in front of them wrecked -- they hit the brakes ... and then got rear-ended by 2 cars. When the dominoes stopped ... a total of 6 cars were involved.

Our sources say Jordan went to the hospital ... and doctors say she escaped with a bad case of whiplash.

Kim Zolciak isn't about to let NeNe Leakes come off like she's the queen bee of 'RHOA' -- and doesn't believe for a second her nemesis has the power to get anyone canned off the show.

Kim blew up NeNe's spot when we saw her at LAX, and filled her in on Claudia Jordan getting 86'd after one season. She says all the talk about NeNe masterminding the firing doesn't add up for her ... mainly because she made a living off of "double-crossing" Leakes.

The real person Claudia should blame is herself, according to Kim -- but you gotta hear how she puts it.

Apollo Nida had an extra sad Father’s Day, locked up in his federal prison cell ... without a single family visitor.

Apollo’s estranged wife, Phaedra Parks didn't bring their two sons to visit him in prison on Sunday. Sources tell TMZ ... psychologists told her it wouldn't be good for 5-year-old Ayden and 1-year-old Dylan to see dad locked up -- especially because they're so young.

The boys still showed Apollo some love, sending cards and photos of what they’ve been doing.

As we've reported, Apollo is serving an 8 year prison sentence for stolen checks and money laundering.

We’re told Phaedra hasn’t visited him once -- however, she does transfer funds to his prison books so he can make purchases while in the slammer.

Claudia Jordan learned the hard way not to mess with Nene Leakes … because she's been fired ... TMZ has learned.

We’re told that producers gave her the ax this week … and she didn’t see it coming.

Jordan got a lot of face time last season by standing up to the show’s O.G. Nene Leakes. Fact is ... Kenya Moore also mouthed off to Nene, but she's earned her stripes over time.

The new season begins filming next month in ATL. Bravo hasn't decided if Claudia can come back for guest appearances.

Nene Leakes always wins.

Brandi Glanville can win a reprieve from the producers of "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" if she plays nice as an occasional guest ... TMZ has learned.

As we reported, Brandi got the ax Thursday after producers decided she was just too much trouble. Brandi was difficult and erratic on the set, fighting -- sometimes physically -- with other castmates.

But sources connected with the show tell us, they are not going to immediately replace her. They're hoping Brandi views this as a "Come to Jesus," and if she comes back for occasional visits, she can prove to them she can act appropriately enough so she doesn't get in the way of production.

It mirrors what happened to Porsha Williams on "The Real Housewives of Atlanta." Porsha got demoted because of bad behavior, made occasional appearances afterward and rehabilitated herself enough to come back as a cast member.

It's Brandi's decision now ... she has to decide if she'll eat crow and accept a reduced role ... and presumably reduced pay.

Brandi Glanville has gotten the ax on "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills," TMZ has learned.

Sources connected with the show tell TMZ ... she's been difficult to work with and most of the girls don't want to work with her anymore.

Several sources say the women don't feel safe around Brandi because of her frequent erratic behavior.

One more twist ... Brandi is tight with Kim Richards, who may also be 86'd from the show. Without Kim, Brandi becomes something of a 3rd wheel.

But we're told producers are open to having her as an occasional guest, but Brandi has not committed.

Cynthia Bailey doesn't think video of her husband kissing another woman is evidence of cheating ... seriously.

Hubby Peter Thomas had some 'splainin' to do after video surfaced of him smooching a chick in a Charlotte, N.C. bar. Peter has the standard response ... she's just a friend.

It looks romantic to us ... and everyone else, except Cynthia, who tells us it's just an innocent peck on the cheek. Check out the video and decide for yourself if it's the cheek or the smacker.

Cynthia was vague, acknowledging the video is embarrassing to her but she'll deal with Peter privately. It's unclear if that means a new ring or an ass whooping.

But she insists she's standing by her man. Hey, Hillary did, and now she's running for President.

Nene Leakes is going the way of the KarDASHians -- and since she's already married to a black man -- that can only mean she's starting her own chain of clothing stores.

NeNe was in Atlantic City scouting this week for retail space at The Playground ... a revamped oceanfront shopping center. We're told NeNe plans to sell her own clothing line -- NeNe by NeNe Leakes (clever) -- as well as other brands.

Our sources say ... in addition to A.C., NeNe is eyeing locations in New York, Los Angeles and Georgia. We're told planning is in early stages and she hasn't inked any deals yet.

Business tip: She should open a wig store and call it ... BUY WIG.

You're welcome, NeNe.

Here's another reason it's good to be 6-time NBA champion Scottie Pippen ...

Not only is his wife former "Real Housewives Of Miami" star Larsa Pippen STUPID hot ... but so are all of her friends, and guess what!? Scottie gets to take the whole bunch on vacation!

The crew all went down to the Dominican Republic recently to soak up some sun (there's none of that in Miami, right?) and we gotta say ... Scottie looks right at home with his new starting five.