During an episode of "Radio Andy," Andy Cohen shot down the "RHOA" casting rumors that suggested NeNe Leakes was returning in the future. The Andy Cohen Denies ‘RHOA’ Casting Rumors Ahead Of Season 17 Reunion first appeared on The Blast

Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen is shooting down the casting rumors regarding the next season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.”

Rumors about season 18 emerged over the weekend just before the season 17 finale aired on Sunday, August 2.

According to Andy Cohen, the network isn’t concerned about the following season because they believe the current cast is rock solid.

Andy Cohen Shoots Down Rumors About The Next Season Of ‘RHOA’

A previous report from The Blast states that producers had already sent out contracts for the next season of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and that Shamea Morton was the only one who didn’t receive a pickup letter. A source also said that Bravo has contacted NeNe Leakes to return to the group after six years away.

However, Cohen responded to the claims on “Radio Andy” and said none of them were true. “They’re not true. If you want a preview of next season of Atlanta, look at this cast. This is the group. We love this group. Spoiler alert: we’re very happy,” he said.

Why Fans Believed Leakes Could Return For ‘RHOA’ Season 18

Loyal Bravo fans believed that Leakes could be among the season 18 cast for several reasons. For starters, the “RHOA” OG shared a post to her Instagram Stories over the weekend and said she was “so happy” about something. “This is the BEST I have felt in a longgggggggg time,” she captioned the picture.

Another reason is that Leakes finally made amends with the network and Cohen after she sued them both in 2022 for alleged racial discrimination. She’s scheduled to appear in the network’s 20th anniversary special, “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.”

“I am happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo,” Leakes said in a clip announcing her return. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth.”

Cohen Broke His Silence On This ‘RHOA’ OG’s Return To The Franchise

Cohen broke his silence on Leakes’ Bravo return on Instagram, congratulating the “RHOA” veteran and reminding her of her importance to the franchise. During another interview, the “Real Housewives” executive producer said there was no way the network could celebrate 20 years of the show without her involved.

“People are very happy about it. Listen, we are going to be celebrating 20 years of Housewives, and it would be hard not to without her, and so I’m happy about it,” he said.

“We are celebrating 20 years of the Housewives. I can’t speak to that lawsuit, but it’s in the past. She was integral to the show and its success. As we looked back on 20 years, it felt like doing something with her would be really nice for the fans, and she really wanted to do it. It was very positive,” he continued.

Leakes Wants To Move Forward With Cohen

While Leakes’ return to the network is small, it could be the start of something major.

According to a previous report from The Blast, the mother of two said that she’s more than willing to put her differences aside for the show’s sake and move forward with Cohen.

“I guess the question would be, ‘What would it take to get him back on those terms?'” she said. “I am the kind of person that, good or bad, time heals.”

Leakes went on to say that despite whatever may have happened between them in the past, she’s not interested in carrying any negative baggage.

“You don’t have to be besties or anything like that, but I move forward. I’m not into holding negative energy,” she said.

‘RHUGT20’ Will Be Major!

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“The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip” will air on Bravo on Sunday, August 9. Major players, including Porsha Williams, Lisa Barlow, Gizelle Bryant, Vicki Gunvalson, Luann de Lesseps, and more, will hit the road to visit over 80 iconic housewives from the past and present.

“For two decades, the Real Housewives has amplified women’s voices, spotlighted their ambition, humor, and strength, inspiring millions with their unapologetic authenticity,” said Frances Berwick. “The Real Housewives: Ultimate Road Trip’ is a love letter to the women who turned a reality television show into a cultural phenomenon — and the fans who’ve been there for every laugh, gasp, toast, and table turn.”

The Andy Cohen Denies ‘RHOA’ Casting Rumors Ahead Of Season 17 Reunion first appeared on The Blast