'RHOA' Star Cynthia Bailey Bravo Bailed on Filming Wedding ... Over COVID Concerns
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Cynthia Bailey's wedding had all the makings of a classic episode of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta," but production pulled the plug on filming it at the last minute thanks to the weather ... and coronavirus.
Production sources tell TMZ ... Bravo was set to have a camera crew on location for the 'RHOA' star's nuptials -- which was a planned, outdoor event -- but 2 days before the wedding, Cynthia decided to make it an indoor affair because Hurricane Delta was bearing down on the region.
But, it became a house of cards, because the indoor venue made the network wary due to COVID-19 concerns, and Bravo decided it wasn't safe or appropriate to send staff to film with limited space and an expected 181-person guest list.
The good news -- for Cynthia and 'Housewives' fans -- Bravo still plans to work with her to showcase her wedding in the upcoming season.
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We're told the bride had her own camera crew on hand at the Governors Towne Club in Acworth, GA last Saturday, and she'll provide footage of the ceremony to production.
Cynthia's pleased with this arrangement, and there was less drama with the way things worked out ... so she's totally fine with it.
As for how Cynthia and her new husband, Mike Hill, dealt with the coronavirus risk at their large gathering ... our sources say they took several precautions.
There were temperature checks at the door, guests were required to wash hands upon entry, masks were required unless eating or drinking ... and all confirmed guests had to have negative COVID tests within 5 days of the wedding.
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'Real Housewives of NY' Hires Eboni K. Williams ... Cast's First Black Housewife!!!
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The "Real Housewives of New York City" is making a little history ... now that producers have hired their first Black cast member in the show's 13-year run.
TMZ's learned the Bravo series hired Eboni K. Williams to join the Big Apple ladies for season 13, which is already in production. The attorney and TV host is ecstatic about her new gig, telling us ... "NYC is filled with successful and dynamic Black women. I’m excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife. Can’t wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before."
She added, "Anyone who’s aware of my work knows I don’t hold back. I’m going to keep it just as real here as I do everywhere else."
The 37-year-old Charlotte native co-hosted "FOX News Specialists" before leaving FNC at the end of 2018. For a short time, Eboni co-hosted a talk show on WABC Radio in NYC and currently co-hosts "State of the Culture" on Diddy's REVOLT TV.
Eboni earned her law degree from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law -- and she clerked for Louisiana's Secretary of State and the state's Attorney General. Bottom line ... she can hold her own in an argument, which should come in handy.
As we reported, the show's producers also shot with Bershan Shaw, another potential Black housewife. In the end, they decided Eboni was the better fit as a full-time cast member. We're told it's still possible Bershan will make appearances.
TMZ broke the story ... 'RHONY' wanted to diversify its cast this upcoming season. There was certainly plenty of room to do so with Dorinda Medley and Tinsley Mortimer's departures.
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Kyle Richards Alleged Ring Thief Says it Wasn't Her!!! Demands Kyle Apologize
The long-nailed woman who allegedly stole Kyle Richards' ring has pretty solid proof she's been wrongly accused, and wants an "I'm sorry" from the 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' star.
Diana French is a retired pharmacy clerk from L.A. who went viral -- well, her hands did anyway -- after, for some strange reason, actress Diane Keaton shared a photo of her hands ... calling Diana's black nails "too much" and claiming she's a fortune teller.
The nails are up for debate, but Diana says the fortune teller thing is untrue.
Anyway, Richards saw Keaton's post, and believed she recognized one of the rings Diana's wearing as her mom's stolen ring ... which got swiped back in December 2017 when Kyle and her husband's home was hit by burglars.
After Diana went viral for all the wrong reasons ... her granddaughter took to TikTok to clear her name.
She also defended herself by going on "Inside Edition" with even more proof the ring belongs to her ... including old photos of her wearing it, and the original appraisal from FORTY years ago.
Kyle had gone public with her search for the stolen ring, but to be fair, she never accused French of theft. She thought French might have purchased the ring from a pawn shop, and was going to offer to buy it back from her.
So yeah, it seems like the fortune teller pharmacy clerk is in the clear, but now she's waiting on an apology from Richards ... and Keaton.
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Kyle Richards Rock Solid with Hubby, Mauricio ... Internet Buzz Be Damned
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Kyle Richards and her husband, Mauricio Umansky, aren't split, separated or heading for divorce, because -- brace yourself for this -- sometimes social media rumors are just that.
Sources directly connected to the couple tell TMZ ... "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star and her real estate agent hubby are not only doing well in their marriage -- they feel closer than ever due to the pandemic.
If ya hadn't heard ... a single tweet by a reality TV fan speculated Kyle and Mauricio were separated, and that's why her sister, Kathy Hilton, is in talks to join the cast. The unfounded theory caught fire 'cause that's what the Internet does.
We're told the fan is just dead wrong, and the couple has been happily spending more time together since COVID-19 changed the way we all live. Well, not all of us live this way -- while they're working from home together, they've been bouncing between their pads in L.A., Palm Springs and Aspen.
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In fact, Kyle and Mauricio were all over each other Monday after a bike ride in Aspen. They also recently took a trip to Cabo together.
Our sources say Kyle's enjoying a break from shooting 'RHOBH' as well because production of the show takes up so many hours -- so she and Mauricio are making the most of it.
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Caitlyn Jenner & Sophia Hutchins In Talks to Join 'RHOBH'
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Sophia Hutchins and Caitlyn Jenner have signaled publicly how much they want to be part of 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' ... and now we're told they're actively trying to make it happen.
Sources close to the gal pals tell TMZ ... Sophia recently sat down for dinner with former 'Housewives' castmate Eileen Davidson, and they talked about the show and the possibility of Sophia filling a vacancy.
We're told they also chatted about Eileen's experience on the show and Sophia got enough good feedback that she decided 'RHOBH' was something she wanted to do.
Our sources say Sophia's camp reached out to production and the sides have been talking about the possibility of her joining the show, possibly as a main cast member ... and Sophia's roommate Caitlyn would also make appearances.
Sophia seems like a good fit ... she knows Lisa Rinna socially, and Caitlyn knows Harry Hamlin ... so it could be organic for them to come aboard.
We got Sophia outside Craig's in West Hollywood and she was coy about joining the show, but our sources say Caitlyn advised Sophia to pursue a spot and wants to be a "friend of the show" herself.
As you know, Sophia and Caitlyn live out in Malibu, but that wouldn't be unprecedented on 'RHOBH' ... a lot of the housewives have lived in the 'Bu, including Denise Richards.
We broke the story ... Kathy Hilton is also in talks to become a series regular, but hasn't pulled the trigger on Bravo's offer.
As for Sophia and Caitlyn, our sources say nothing has been signed but they are hoping to snag spots.
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Claudia Jordan Sues Wine Co. Things Aren't 'Just Peachy' ... I Got Fired for Supporting BLM!!!
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Claudia Jordan turned Just Peachy wine into a booming brand, then got left high and dry because she supports the Black Lives Matter movement ... or so she claims in a new suit.
The former 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star is going after Biagio Cru and Estate Wines, because she claims she was wrongfully fired in late 2018 over her public support of justice for Black people and speaking out against unlawful police treatment.
According to the docs -- obtained by TMZ -- Jordan claims she entered into an agreement with Biagio in 2016 to work together, in which she would promote Just Peachy in return for 3 percent ownership of the brand and 3 percent of all the money it hauls in.
Claudia says the campaign kicked off in 2017 and was a huge success over the following year. She claims sales were dramatically boosted due to her involvement in the strategy and marketing ... and the brand became synonymous with her name.
Despite all that, Claudia claims Biagio tried to terminate its contract with her in late 2018 and stopped paying her. She alleges this was due to her support of BLM, and even says Biagio commented that her social media posts against police brutality of African-Americans were "too slanted."
According to the suit -- filed by attorney Christopher Brown -- Biagio stopped sending her financial statements in 2018 and cut her off. Claudia also claims Biagio continues to use her association with Just Peachy to its advantage while denying it struck a deal giving her ownership.
The company claims it elected to part ways with Claudia for "legitimate, non-discriminatory reasons; namely, dissatisfaction with Ms. Jordan’s ability to boost sales in relevant markets" ... but she believes it was over her political views on racial issues.
She's suing for breach of contract and is seeking hundreds of thousands or more in damages.
Biagio Cru says it will "vigorously defend against the false claims asserted by Ms. Jordan and will pursue any and all appropriate legal actions associated with false and defamatory statements published by Ms. Jordan."
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NeNe Leakes I'm Not Coming Back to 'RHOA' ... Andy Cohen Responds
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2:51 PM PT -- Andy Cohen says he's going to miss NeNe on the show, and calls her an "icon of the genre" along with a "gif and catchphrase machine."
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Andy -- aka "Buttercup" to NeNe -- points out that she has been his most frequent guest on 'Watch What Happens Live' and is always a blast ... and he hopes to work with her again soon.
Rumors have circulated for months, but now it's official -- NeNe Leakes will not be returning to "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" ... she says so herself.
The longtime 'RHOA' star just posted a video stating it clearly -- she's made the call to NOT be a part of season 13. NeNe says she made the difficult decision after an "extremely long, exhausting, tiring, emotional" contract negotiation.
NeNe stresses things were emotional for both sides during the process, and fights back tears before reflecting on her time with the show ... which started for her back in 2008.
Though Leakes only explicitly says she's out for season 13, her message suggests this is more of a farewell for good.
She says ... "I'm just so happy that I can say that I was part of a genre that opened up a door for Black ensemble reality shows. I want to thank everybody that has looked up to me over the years. I want to thank Bravo for all the memories. Thank you to the cast for all of the memories."
The video NeNe posted on her YouTube page includes her 'RHOA' highlights from over the years.
In August, NeNe went on a tweeting spree amid her contract negotiations and seemed to call out her castmates for not protecting her or standing up for her ... though she didn't name names.
NeNe is one of the reality series' biggest stars, known most for her friendship/falling out/reconciliation with Kim Zolciak-Biermann ... and her rivalry with Kenya Moore.
'RHOA' is currently in production for the upcoming season on Bravo.
A spokesperson for the network tells TMZ ... "We wish Nene all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for sharing her journey for over a decade with the fans of 'The Real Housewives of Atlanta.' She’s been instrumental since the start and will truly be missed, and maybe one day she’ll hold the peach again."
Originally Published 2:18 PM PT
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Kathy Hilton In Talks to Join 'RHOBH' As Series Regular!!!
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Kathy Hilton has an important decision to make ... we've learned she's been invited to get in on the action in the upcoming season of "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Production sources tell TMZ ... 'RHOBH' producers have approached Kathy about joining the show. She wouldn't be brought on as a full-time cast member, instead, we're told she'd be a "friend of the show" and make regular appearances.
The offer's out, but we're told Kathy hasn't made a decision ... our sources say she's definitely interested, but hasn't decided if she'll pull the trigger.
The move would make sense for Kathy, who has longstanding ties to the show.
As you know, Kathy's sisters with 'RHOBH' star Kyle Richards and former star Kim Richards, plus Kathy's appeared on the show in previous seasons.
And, there's this ... there were rumors last year about Kathy joining the show, and Kyle said she would be happy to have another sister on "RHOBH." She says Kathy's super funny and would be a great addition.
Paris Hilton's mom was never a housewife or "friend of the show: ... most of her appearances were short and sweet, but now Kathy's got a real chance to be one of the gals.
Stay tuned.
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NeNe Leakes Not Planning to Sue Bravo ... Despite Apparent Bad Blood
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Rumors of a looming discrimination lawsuit against Bravo has absolutely nothing to do with NeNe Leakes whatsoever ... TMZ has learned.
A source close to the reality star tells us ... NeNe is in no way ramping up to file suit or any type of legal action against Bravo at this time, nor is she "teaming up" with other women of color who might be considering such a move. Any notion to the contrary simply isn't true.
We're told NeNe is focused on herself and her own career right now -- specifically, fleshing out her newly announced show with E!, "Glamsquad Showdown," while also trying to work through negotiations with Bravo on potentially coming back for another season of 'RHOA.'
We're also told that NeNe is seeking a larger role in the NBCUniversal TV-sphere, and that those talks take a while. So no, she ain't biting the hand that feeds in the meantime.
Change starts at the top! Fire the face of Bravo. #fireandycohen
— MrsBrooks (@MrsBrooks324) June 10, 2020 @MrsBrooks324
As for why folks might've thought something was brewing with NeNe in the first place ... well, that might have to do with her own words and a whole lot of innuendo. NeNe herself has alluded to mistreatment during her tenure there, both explicitly and implicitly.
She recently hopped on her YouTube channel to air some grievances about how she felt some of the showrunners and execs were treating her differently than some of the other ladies come reunion time. Not only that, but she also fueled intrigue when she dropped some suggestive comments about the 'Vaderpump' racism scandal from a few months back.
On top of that, former 'RHOA costars of hers, like Eva Marcille, have also been throwing NeNe's name around when mentioning this supposed lawsuit that's coming down the pike.
She recently did just that while talking on Rickey Smiley's morning show ... and while she didn't exactly connect the dots, one could assume NeNe was in on the suit by the way she was talking.
Fact is, there is no connection ... period. Seems like NeNe still has plans with Bravo on the horizon that she very much wants to keep intact.
A Bravo spokesperson said they were not aware of any lawsuit.
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Pop Smoke House Where He Was Killed Sells for Millions
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Someone wants the home where Pop Smoke was gunned down ... because we found out it's about to be sold, just six months after the rapper was killed on the property.
The Hollywood Hills home was listed for $2,950,000 in July, and the house is now in escrow ... meaning the seller has accepted an offer from a prospective buyer.
We broke the story ... Pop Smoke was shot and killed by 4 masked gunmen back in February, in what looked like a home invasion robbery at the rental pad.
Bloody history aside, the 4-bedroom home is pretty awesome ... it's 2,918 square feet with views of Laurel Canyon, the L.A. skyline and the Pacific. The place is outfitted with an infinity pool, spa, fire pit lounge, koi pond and zen garden, plus some cool sundecks.
The master bedroom has a soaking tub and its own private terrace ... and the home comes with smart tech, surround sound and a 3-car garage.
Teddi Mellencamp and her husband, Edwin Arroyave used to own the home and rent it out ... and now it's on the verge of changing hands despite being the scene of Pop's grisly death.
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'Real Housewives of Dallas' Star Kameron Westcott Unloads $5M Crib!!!
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"Real Housewives of Dallas" star Kameron Westcott has said arrivederci to her Tuscan-style crib ... cause she sold it.
TMZ's learned Kameron's mansion, in the upscale Dallas neighborhood of Highland Park, has just been sold. The 7,409 square foot home has 5 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and that's just for starters. She put the house on the market for $5.125 million. The exact amount it sold for is unclear, since Texas is a non-disclosure state.
Some of the cool features ... an elevator, home movie theater and a wine cellar with a tasting area. We said Tuscan style, right?! It's also got a finished basement ... which is pretty damn rare in that part of Texas.
We're told Kameron -- a full-time Housewife since joining in season 2 -- and her hubby, Court, built the home back in 2008 and were living in it ever since.
Kelli Macatee of Compass -- who has known Court since they were in middle school -- repped the sellers.
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Teresa Giudice Finalizes Divorce ... And Home with Joe's Gotta Go!!!
3:24 PM PT -- Teresa and Joe's marriage is officially over as well -- they've finalized their divorce about 8 months after their split ... according to their family attorney, James Leonard.
Though the 2 live in different countries and the world is dealing with a pandemic, they were able to utilize technology and work with a mediator to hash things out ... and plan to continue successfully co-parent.
Teresa Giudice is taking another major step in closing the book on her life with estranged husband Joe ... she's put their mansion on the market.
"The Real Housewives of New Jersey" star's looking to unload their Montville home for $2.5 million. This is the home featured on the show, where they raised their family for years before going to jail for fraud in 2015.
As you know ... Teresa and Joe separated in December after 20 years of marriage, following his release from prison and deportation to Italy. He's got his own pad over there, and now she's looking for a fresh start somewhere with their 4 daughters.
Sources close to Teresa tell us the plan is to stay in Northern Jersey, but it's still bittersweet, especially for the kids who are leaving their childhood home.
The 6-bedroom palazzo Giudice is 10,000 square feet with a banquet-sized dining hall, soaring ceilings, fancy staircase, a pool and enough garage space for everyone in the family to park their ride.
Michelle Pais, one of Jersey's top real estate agents, is handling the sale. Interestingly, there were rumors Michelle might join the "Housewives" cast ... but we're told she only filmed a few scenes.
Originally published -- 1:13 PM PT
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Porsha Williams Activism, Arrests to Get Spotlight On New 'RHOA' Season
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Porsha Williams will have a new storyline on the upcoming 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' series ... her activism and arrests protesting Breonna Taylor's death will be heavily featured.
Production sources tell TMZ ... producers want to shine a light on Porsha's fight for social justice as much as possible in the new season, because Bravo knows viewers would be riveted by Porsha's commitment to racial justice.
As we reported ... Porsha was arrested in July during a Breonna Taylor protest outside the home of Kentucky's Attorney General, with cops hauling her off Daniel Cameron's front lawn in zip ties. She was hit with a felony charge, which was later dropped.
Porsha was arrested again Wednesday at another Louisville protest demanding justice for Breonna.
Our sources say there were no 'RHOA' camera crews on the ground when Porsha was busted -- the pandemic made it impossible to send a crew. Producers will rely on raw cellphone footage to tell her story.
As we first told you ... 'RHOA' is filming again with extra precautions in place because of COVID-19, and Porsha and the other housewives will use their platform to talk about injustice in America and what they can do to affect change.
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'RHONY' We Need Diversity ... Too Many White Women?!?
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The "Real Housewives of New York" are going to look a little different this upcoming season ... we've learned producers want to feature more than just rich, white women.
Production sources tell TMZ ... 'RHONY' is looking to diversify the current all-white cast for season 13, and producers are actively searching and in talks with some potential new faces.
There's already a few openings, which in theory makes it easier to make the cast more diverse ... Dorinda Medley announced Monday she's leaving the show, following Tinsley Mortimer out the door.
Our sources say Dorinda was not fired, and her departure was a mutual decision that had been previously discussed before she and Bravo ultimately pulled the trigger.
We're told rumors of Ali Wentworth, wife of George Stephanopoulos, potentially joining 'RHONY' are NOT true ... there's no talks about her coming on board and she's not in the running to join the show.
Fact is ... Ali would not add any diversity to a cast that was nothing but white women in season 12.
Producers are up against the clock here too ... we're told 'RHONY' is slated to start shooting in the Fall.
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Luann de Lesseps Sobriety's Helping Me Thru Pandemic ... Alcohol Makes Me Anxious!!!
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Luann de Lesseps admits staying sober is a challenge -- especially under pandemic lockdowns -- but she says it's put her in a better headspace to cope during trying times.
"The Real Housewives of New York City" star joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to chat about her ongoing sobriety and what she's been doing to help her along ... including yoga, meditation, and making "diva" music.
Luann understands why studies show alcohol use is way up since the pandemic began in March -- people turn to booze to ease pain -- but she says, for her, it only raised her anxiety level ... something no one needs more of these days.
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In fact, the 'RHONY' star says sobriety has her feeling like she has control of her life again, and she's expressing that with a new song ... "Viva La Diva."
Luann shared a preview of her latest single which drops Friday -- which makes it clear she's proud to let her diva flag fly.
As you may know ... Luann's path to sobriety followed her Christmas Eve 2017 arrest after an alleged drunken dispute with cops in Palm Beach. A judge placed her on probation in 2018 and ordered her to stay off drugs and alcohol ... and it's obviously had a profound impact on her life. Between her song, and her makeup line, her WFH life is boomin'!
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'RHOA' Star Kandi Burruss Celebrates Hubby's Bday ... With Strippers in Glass Boxes!!!
Kandi Burruss knows how to have a good, old-fashioned, booty-shakin' time ... even during a pandemic.
The 'Real Housewives' star threw a birthday bash for her husband, Todd Tucker, at the Bowlmor in Atlanta ... but no one was looking at bowling pins. Instead, Kandi brought in strippers, and did so COVID-safely, we might add.
Check it out ... dancers were brought in to strip down for Todd -- but they were encased in glass boxes, ya know ... for distancing and whatnot. It's creative, we'll give 'em that.
Not only that, but it looks like just about everyone who attended was wearing some type of face covering -- so they were mindful during their partying, more so than a lot of bozos we've seen raging this year.
Unclear if 'RHOA' cameras were rolling for the shindig -- but our guess is ... they probably were. Remember, production for the show recently picked up again, and safety guidelines are in place to keep everyone healthy. Looks like the cast is taking those directives to heart, but still having fun.
Gotta love the creativity!