Let’s look at the facts in the Kim Zolciak and Kroy Biermann divorce. Kroy needs a job but can’t exactly return to football. After meeting Kim, he kind of lost his skills on the field but found new skills being a chauffeur and wig tamer.
Kim cut her teeth on Real Housewives of Atlanta and by all accounts, she was a big part of the show. Not so much a fan favorite, but people were captivated by her blatant display of messiness and seemingly no qualms about it. Her relationship with Kroy spawned a spinoff that was fairly successful and ran for eight seasons.
Now Kim and Kroy are out of money and tensions are high. Kim may or may not have lost a substantial amount through gambling and the simple fact is, they both need to start earning. While she isn’t officially returning to RHOA outside of a Season 15 cameo, Kim is currently “making moves.” She posted an update on her Instagram.
Amid her messy, no-good, nasty, contentious divorce with Kroy – Kim appears to have her eye on the prize. Hopefully, the prize is supporting her children and not getting enough cashola to fly off to Vegas.
This week she shared a photo having a bite and having a chat with reality television producer, Troy VanderHeyden. She captioned the pic, “One of my favorite humans of all time @troyvandamnit oh how I love you! Making moves.”
Troy is behind some well-known shows, so this could be a get for Kim. He’s previously had his hands on The Simple Life, Living Lohan, and The Real World. And Troy seems to have a special spot for Kim because he also popped the photo to his Insta. His caption was, “Finally reunited. I love you sweet, beautiful woman.”
Kim’s working that magic, I see … We’ll have to see how this goes because Kroy has already said he doesn’t want any of his divorce drama playing out on television. Either way, someone needs to bring home the bacon so these people can move on and move out.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK KIM IS UP TO? IS ANOTHER SHOW IN HER FUTURE?
At the beginning of May, Kim and Kroy raced each other to a Georgia courthouse to mutually file for divorce. Since then, well, nothing good has happened. Both want primary custody of the four kids and both want child support. Kim allegedly bopped Kroy in the back of the head and he doesn’t think she’s safe around the kids.
While what goes up, must come down – what goes in doesn’t necessarily come out. Amid the messiness, Kroy and Kim are camped out on opposite sides of the home. Radar has the details.
Haus of Hate
Wish these two would suck it up and get it together for the sake of their children. But apparently, that’s too much to ask. Why wouldn’t two grown-ass adults stomp their feet and play games when the future therapy bills of their kids are at risk?
Kim and Kroy are allegedly out of money and insiders close to the couple are concerned about the children. “Their friends are saying enough is enough. These kids don’t deserve it. All they want is for their parents to stop fighting,” a source shared.
Another added, “The situation is an absolute travesty. Kim and Kroy are living on different sides of the home but still yell and scream at each other. The feeling is they’re both at fault. Kim’s being petty and Kroy’s being a jerk — but it’s not healthy for their kids.”
So much for Kroy and Kim having the “best interests of the children” in mind. Is this another example of adults trying to validate their ridiculous actions by pretending it’s for their offspring?
At this point, there is no better person. The irritated couple are currently waiting for a judge to rule on Kroy’s request to remove Kim from the property. Additionally, Kim wants Kroy to be drug tested – because apparently weed is the only thing she’s got on him. TEAM KIDS.
TELL US – ARE KROY AND KIM EQUALLY AT FAULT? WHAT DO YOU THINK THE JUDGE WILL DECIDE? WHO DO YOU THINK SHOULD GET THE HOUSE AND KIDS?
Is it in and out for Heather Dubrow? After a five-year hiatus from the show, the actress returned to the Real Housewives of Orange County in 2021. Prior to that, she participated in RHOC between 2012 and 2016.
Heather made an impression from the get-go with her opulent lifestyle, even by OC standards, and her penchant for established etiquette. Amuse bouche anyone? The nickname “Fancy pants” functions to her detriment at times. On the latest episode, co-star Gina Kirchenheiter felt intimidated to invite her to a low-brow dive bar event.
Regardless, fans love to see Heather and her husband, Terry Dubrow, parenting their four children. And aren’t we all just salivating over her palatial home? It would be a shame to lose her again, as it doesn’t get more Orange County than the Dubrows. But the recent relocation out of their “dream home” had viewers speculating whether Heather would indeed be back.
Heather can’t predict her “evolution”
Heather was asked about her future RHOC plans during an exclusive interview with Today.
“You sold your home in Orange County, which led to fan speculation about if you would be leaving RHOC after this season. If you were asked today to come back next season, would you?” Heather was asked.
“We’re only on Episode 3. A lot could change. Look, in general, I’ve been doing this, whether actually on the show, taking a hiatus, coming back, for about 12 years, and I am incredibly grateful for the platform that this has presented for me and for my family,” Heather replied.
At the same time, Heather won’t commit to a real answer. She seemingly doesn’t want to curtail her, or her family’s potential.
“Having said that, what’s the next evolution of me, my life, my family, my career — I guess time is going to tell,” she added.
Real Housewives of Orange County continues Wednesdays on Bravo at 8/7c.
TELL US – DO YOU WANT HEATHER TO STAY ON RHOC? WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO HER ANSWERS? IF SHE DID LEAVE, WHAT DO YOU GUESS THE REASON WOULD BE?
At this point, it’s just easiest to assume that Larsa Pippen has beef with everybody on Real Housewives of Miami. Even still, she remains a fan favorite, and those she feuds with often receive worse backlash than she does.
Like Adriana de Moura for example. She’s been beefing with Larsa for years now. The two were reportedly getting along during filming for Season 5. But apparently, that’s not the case anymore.
A Bravo fan account on Instagram, Marteanis with Eddy, initially made a post cataloging a comment from Nicole, which said, “Someone got baptized, but it wasn’t me [laughing face emoji].” Well, Adriana commented on Eddy’s initial Instagram post, confirming, “It was me [confused face emoji].” Eddy then compiled both comments into the post above.
Eddy wrote in the caption, “WE GOT AN ANSWER!! Adriana confirmed on my Instagram post she was the one who got the drink all over her that Larsa threw!” The comments ranged from amused to confused. Many had speculated Adriana was the target once Nicole confirmed it wasn’t her, with one comment reading “KNEW IT.”
Other commenters took shots at Adriana, with one posting that she “more than likely deserved it. She’s infuriating.” And others still shaded Nicole, writing, “Why does Nicole find this funny?” with a reply saying, “Because she’s a low key instigator.” But one thing’s for sure — everyone’s pumped to see this play out. And that might’ve been the goal all along.
Real Housewives of Miami is expected to return to Bravo later this year, or in early 2024.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS TURN OF EVENTS? DO YOU HOPE TO SEE THIS PLAY OUT ON SCREEN?
The ladies of the Big Apple are back! Oh wait, but they’re not. We’re getting the new era of Real Housewives of New York, and they are taking over. They’re hustling in the city, they’re working moms, and they want you to know.
All the ladies recently talked the talk to Cosmopolitan on what they are all about, the new season, and how they fit in compared to the RHONY: Legacy cast. In other words, they talked up their cast, dished on the seasoned vets, and gave us some “clip, clip,” of their own.
Who called?
Ubah Hassan said Ramona Singer called, and “We met … and she asks, ‘Are you married?’ and I said no and she was like, ‘Forget it after this show’ … it was hilarious … I tell boys now, you got to put a ring on it because my price is about to go up.”
Brynn Whitfield added, “I talked to Lisa Vanderpump … I knew her prior to the show because her daughter is my good friend. She said be yourself and have fun. Just enjoy it.” Sage advice from LVP.
Erin Dana Lichy then said, “Sai [De Silva] and I had lunch with Jill Zarin and her daughter Ally (Zarin) and then I ended up driving Ally to this party downtown, like … I’m her mother!”
And what about the househusbands? Erin says, “Joey Gorga called my husband Abe (Lichy) and …was amazing,” saying “You better watch your wife! Better make sure it doesn’t go to her head!” He went on, “Get all the guys drunk, get them trashed!”
And last, but not least – the mystery wife. Apparently, someone was not so nice, but mum is the word. Three ladies chimed, and Jenna Lyons even referred to her as “salty.” Hmm, who do you think it is?
Overall, Sai said they all reiterated “the same thing: Be true to yourself because the audience will see right through you.” Yes, we’ll be watching – and taking notes like “writer girl.”
Who is a smelly old stiletto?
First off, Jenna described the old cast as “aspirational Upper East Side enclave.” Aspirational? The Morgan Letters and Zarin Fabrics would disagree, but please, go on. Erin, seconded with a “the women before us … how do I say this nicely? They’re grown. I work like crazy. I have three kids.” Grown as opposed to FILL IN THE BLANK here Erin.
As for what they do, as opposed to the past crew, Sai says, “We didn’t get up and marry rich men and hang out on our yachts. We work.” Preach ladies because the success of Skinny Girl, Dorinda Medley’s cashmere company, and Mrs. I Speak Three Languages and was famous in Italia can’t hear you in the back.
Jessel Taank understands though, “As women, you want to be supportive of one another. Putting other women down is so boring.” Here’s hoping the new ladies are giving “be cool” and “money can’t buy you class” type of fun here.
Watch Real Housewives of New York Season 14 premiere on Bravo on July 16 at 9/8c.
TELL US – THOUGHTS ON THE NEW CAST? WHAT WILL THE OLD CAST THINK OF THIS INTERVIEW? IS S14 WORTH WATCHING?
And whatever her reasons for leaving the show, it must’ve been clear to her that she could get on just fine without the Real Housewives. She’s one of the most recognizable faces from the franchise after all. She probably knew she could move on to other projects.
It’s easy to forget that she was an actress before being a housewife. And in all honesty, she did well for herself. Well, it seems that scripted television is calling to her once again, with news breaking that Lisa would appear on the next season of American Horror Stories.
Is Lisa making an acting comeback?
Lisa Rinna has officially joined the cast of “American Horror Stories” Season 3! She plays a character named Sheila in the third episode, “Tapeworm.” pic.twitter.com/gJ4dUDHShM
The Instagram account, horrorstorynews, was the first to break the news. The caption was simple: “Pop culture icon LISA RINNA has joined the cast of AMERICAN HORROR STORIES Season 3, Episode 3, ‘Tapeworm.’” The comments were slightly divided, and that division only grew worse when the news made its way to Twitter.
Twitter user ahszone shared the news as well to a myriad of reactions. Many commented on the irony they saw in the episode’s titling. As one user wrote, “We’re sure she’s not playing the titular character?” Brutal. Another simply wrote, “Seems fitting.”
But on the other hand, many were excited by the news. As one reply read, “I hope this is real.” Another reply carried a similar sentiment: “I can’t wait to see this.” But perhaps the most based comment simply read, “I’m happy for her.” What a reasonable reaction. Though Lisa might be polarizing, it’s admirable that she’s out there, achieving what she can.
TELL US – ARE YOU EXCITED TO SEE LISA IN AMERICAN HORROR STORIES? OR WILL YOU BE SKIPPING TAPEWORM?
The new Bachelorette is upon us, and Season 20’s Charity Lawson is giving us lots of repetition. Seriously, she recently went on Off The Vine with Kaitlyn Bristowe, and was beside herself on words. She was feeling the season so much she summed the emotion of it all up pretty quickly, and you could tell she was in deep throughout the ABC show.
What can we expect from night one? Charity is looking for communication, a good kiss (yes, night one), words of affirmation, and physical chemistry. That’s a lot to exude in one night, but someone must be up to the task. Kaitlyn swigs back her rosé as she nods in agreement to Charity’s night one wants and needs.
What more?
Charity expressed numerous times how “real conversations” were at play. But gave no details as to what they were. Mysterious, but we can tell she won’t be holding back when the show airs.
She further adds that the men are going to show a lot as well. She kept speaking to their “vulnerability” and says, “I just love when men cry.” Or smile. Smiling is good too. But all jokes aside, she contends that it’s “beautiful to see” and keeps putting her right “back in the moment.”
Kaitlyn, having experienced the Bachelorette life herself, sets the stage for Charity on what’s to come with the whirlwind of the Bachelorette 15 (minutes) – but trying not to push her ahead. She warns (but not), that Charity is likely to upset some people. Charity understands the sentiment, and as far as pissing people off says, “That’s alright. Literally. Too bad.”
What else do we need to know about Season 20? Kaitlyn says, “Spade and Sparrows” is needed, and Charity seconds that idea with “you need lots of wine.”
Watch the Bachelorette premiere June 26 on ABC at a new time of 9 p.m. ET.
TELL US – WILL YOU BE WATCHING THIS ONE? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE? ARE YOU THROWING A WATCH PARTY?
John Fuda didn’t make much of an impression during the latest season of Real Housewives of New Jersey. But boy did he make waves at the reunion by taking on Luis Ruelas. The reunion was a three part mud-slinging event. But John brought receipts on Luis’ alleged investigation of the cast. It’s just a shame the viewers never got to see them.
With the increased popularity comes the flip side of the coin. Haters started to look for dirt on John. And something came up from his past that peaked interest. Though it turns out that a lack of transparency led to a misguided smear campaign. The facts completely debunk the rumors.
Critical information was eliminated from the social media post
But John got a chance to reply after an appearance on the BravoBros Podcast. His response to the allegations that he had a prior felony conviction went viral on social media with a TikTok video of his response.
The following text was included in the video description, “Fuda is NOT a felon. The report conveniently left out that the charges were dismissed and the incident occurred when he was a minor.”
“I’m a felon. I’m a felon. Watch it,” John joked with his host.
The host asked, “Seeing all this come out and then other Bravo accounts have come out and said that they found evidence on the matter. We’d love to hear from you. Can you clear this up for us please?”
“I’m not a convicted felon. At all. So what they posted, They actually they left out the bottom of it. So there’s actually two more lines in the same exact report that says it was dismissed. So you know, like any other juvenile kid, I got in trouble when I was a juvenile. I got myself into a couple things, going through an adolescent stage. Got myself involved in a couple things, fights, and this and that,” John responded.
The obvious deletion of critical evidence is clear manipulation of the information. The overall public response was accepting of John’s explanation. And it seems he has cleared his him.
John concluded, “Someone took it, posted it, and left out the part where it says ‘dismissed’ to paint a picture of me. I’m not a convicted felon at all.”
TELL US – WHAT WAS YOUR IMMEDIATE REACTION TO THE HEADLINE? DID YOU BELIEVE JOHN HAD A FELONY CONVICTION? WHAT IS YOUR REACTION TO HIS EXPLANATION?
The Kardashians have finally made it to Kim Kardashian’s big Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. The big moment in Milano was no easy mission to accomplish. Kim’s efforts may have caused a small immigration crisis (AKA Kim’s stylist forgetting her passport) and resulted in the demise of her relationship with Kourtney Kardashian. But hey, at least she proved to the world that Kim K. really is that girl.
Kourtney kept up with her pattern in the latest episode of The Kardashians of hating on Kim, only caring about making out with Travis Barker, and expressing the least amount of enthusiasm possible for a human being with such an exciting life. Thankfully, the Hulu producers didn’t make us suffer through any Kendall Jenner scenes in this episode as a reward for suffering through Kourt’s extended tantrum. Here are five of the main takeaways from the latest episode of The Kardashians titled “You Think I Need Your Permission?”
Kim’s it-girl moment
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu
It was finally the day for Kim’s fashion show in Milan, and the star of the family was ready for her moment. Kim not only looked amazing but was radiating from the high-energy atmosphere backstage of the show. The Dolce & Gabbana heads gifted Kim with an over-the-top diamond cross necklace, which she claims was one of the first pieces of jewelry she ever bought herself. “This is like the nicest piece of jewelry I own because I lost it all,” she said, referencing the robbery. The Paris robbery totally changed Kim’s approach to life and business. She learned she was fine with losing all of her jewelry to save her life, but it meant more to regain a special piece to commemorate such an iconic moment.
Kim slayed the fashion show, as Khloe Kardashian expected. “How is this real life?” Khloe asked in support of her sister’s major accomplishment. “Kimberly has come so, so far in her confidence in fashion.” Hear that, Kourtney? That’s what a SUPPORTIVE SISTER ACTS LIKE. Anyway, Kim’s tribe of four children also were slaying in their D&G fits to support their mom at the show.
Sidenote: Kim’s kids are all so adorable and have so much genuine love for their mom. Even though they’re little, they can tell that the show was a big moment for her. I keep commenting on Kimmy’s mommy skills, but I’m in awe at how close of a relationship she seems to have with her kids while maintaining her A-List life. It was heartwarming to see Kim accomplish a “bucket list moment” with a supportive family by her side.
North West is the future of the Kardashians
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu
Speaking of Kim’s kids, North West was the star of the episode. She was Kim’s right-hand in Milan, participating in girls’ night gossip and nearly showing up her mother with her fashion show look. North overheard her mom’s friends talking about how Khloe was flirting with a hotel guest whose room was next to hers. Northie, a certified genius in my book, had the great idea to prank Khloe by putting a note on her door from the “admirer.” This show absolutely needs to keep up the trend of more scenes of North, less of Kendall, if the producers really want us to stay engaged with this family after two decades on TV.
The note instructed Khlo$ to knock twice if she wanted to go on a date with the man. North wrote it in what was clearly a child’s handwriting, but Khloe apparently fell for it. She apparently confronted the guy about the note, who was offended that Khloe would ever think he would have such terrible penmanship. “This note is from my f*cking nine-year-old niece,” Khloe admitted. “I’m mortified that I’m this much of a f*cking loser that I’m going to accept any child’s handwritten letter to me and take it as an admirer.” I’m screaming. This was authentically funny — Kim is a great momager in the making.
Kourtney’s chosen family
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu
Instead of living it up in Milan, Kourtney stayed in Calabasas to do what she always does — hook up with Travis and complain. She joined her husband to celebrate the opening of a restaurant he invested in in Calabasas. If you want to know more about the food, Kourt described it as “just a vibe” with matcha margaritas. She needs to take the word “vibe” out of her vocabulary because it literally gives us nothing to work with. Kourt also proclaimed she was happy to finally have a “good restaurant” in Calabasas. Girl, don’t shade an entire wealthy town full of five-star restaurants just because they aren’t being funded by Blink-182.
Kourt and Travis’ children were at the restaurant opening. Reign Disick, instead of celebrating his stepdad’s moment, made Travis arm wrestle him at the table while directing the camera crew to film it. He also proclaimed that his teacher is a “liar” for claiming he was eating Crayons and paper at school. This child, unlike North, probably needs a break from the cameras after this display, but who knows? I’m definitely not his mama to tell him what to do. Anyway, someone pointed out that no one from Kourtney’s side of the family except her kids was at the opening. “That is my family,” Kourtney quipped back. It’s giving Teresa Giudice’s chosen family, and we all know how going down that path tends to turn out.
Finally, a Jenner-less episode
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu
I feel a trend coming on that every episode of The Kardashians, I’m going to find some way to complain about Kendall. This time, though, I’m actually praising the show for not making us suffer through any scenes involving her. The episode focused on what we cared about — Kim and Kourtney’s fight, Khloe’s single journey, and North West’s pranks. Keep that horse girl away from the cameras unless her scenes count as commercial breaks. I did miss King Kylie Jenner’s quirkiness a bit, but she definitely doesn’t give as much as her older three sisters for the show.
At the fashion show, Khloe literally met the hot actor that Kim tried to set her up with and they hit it off. Before they even made it to the after-party, a flirty photo was breaking the internet and Khlo$ was living for it. Kylie and Kendall spend so much time trying to hide or create this image of their romantic relationship for the public. Khlo$, however, always keeps it real. She joked about how every time a date asks her a personal question, she has a wild answer. For example, if someone asked about her dad, she’d respond with, “Which one? One’s dead and one turned into a girl.” Another was if someone asked about her reason for divorcing Lamar Odom. “Oh, I found him in a brothel,” she quipped. Kendall and Kylie, unfortunately, can never reach this level of raw.
Kim channels her inner Real Housewives villain
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Hulu
Kourtney spent the entire episode complaining to everyone about Kim’s show, yet refusing to have a conversation with her about it. She felt like Kim took the mood board Kourt sent to her family for the wedding and turned it into a show. Kourt didn’t blame the D&G fashion heads — just her family. “It’s also a brand,” Kourtney explained. “I can’t really expect as much from them as I would my sister. Or I’m sure my mom did the deal.” I understand Kourt not wanting to ruin Kim’s moment during the show, but even days after when everyone is back in California, they don’t speak.
Kim, in general, felt like Kourtney was a hater. At the end of the episode, Khloe came over to strategize how the pair could have a conversation. “She feels like her wedding moment was taken away from her and she just feels like there’s no loyalty in this family,” Khloe explained to Kim. Kim felt like she didn’t have to ask for permission, and boy did she get activated.
Khloe suggested that before Kim sits down with Kourt that she get her anger out. She also, smartly, suggested that Kris not be there, since she loves taking sides. Kim started to vent about how Kourtney actually wore looks to her wedding that Kim had worn while filming the show years prior, so who was really copying who? She also joked that Kourtney had no friends besides Travis, which had me gooped and gagged. “I’ll be like, “B*tch, you think I need your permission?” Kim said. Khlo$ hit it right on the money — this showdown is going to be anything but zen.
The Kardashians continues Thursdays on Hulu.
TELL US – WHAT DID YOU THINK OF THE LATEST EPISODE OF THE KARDASHIANS? DO YOU THINK KIM SUCCEEDED IN HER DOLCE & GABBANA FASHION SHOW?
Reality Tea News Editor Daniel Falconer sat down with Eboni K. Williams for an exclusive interview, to talk about everything she has going on. With her popular podcast Holding Court – distributed by Interval Presents – coming up to its third anniversary, and other Bravo stars making headlines for all the wrong reasons, there was a lot to discuss. Not to mention her time on Real Housewives of New York! Plus, her advice for a certain Bravo couple currently going through an ugly divorce.
Eboni on her “unique opportunity” to do something new
Daniel Falconer:Holding Court is in the legal area, and when people think about legal podcasts, they think of murder and true crime, but this is something very different and in a new space. Can you tell me a little bit about why you decided to go in that direction with the podcast?
Eboni K. Williams: I’m laughing because you’re exactly right, and when I first started pitching this to various outlets and distributing partners they were like, ‘What?’
The reason I picked to go in this space is I’m just opposed to oversaturating any market. Essentially, if it exists in a form that’s doing well, I’m really not interested. I’m only interested in creating content and telling stories and having conversations, that are either currently not in existence at all, or their current forms are mediocre and I feel I can do better.
If you ever see me doing anything in my career – if it’s writing a book; if it’s doing a podcast; if it’s joining a TV show or reality show – it’s because I believe I have a unique opportunity to do something that’s not currently being done – or it’s certainly not being done well.
The challenges of being a young Black woman in law
Daniel Falconer: You have the education and history to back all of that up. Can you tell me a little bit about some of the challenges you faced as a young Black woman going into law?
Eboni K. Williams: So, in 2023 right now, Black women, we occupy less than 5% of the entire legal profession. That’s pretty dismal because as Black people, we’re 4% of that entire profession, we’re 13-14% of the US population. We’re disproportionately underrepresented in the space. We all hear “representation matters,” we all heard, or at least I heard, “you’ve gotta see it to be it.”
I read this incredible piece in the New York Times recently … It’s this really beautiful piece about this whole generation of grown-ass Asian women named Connie because of Connie Chung, and because in that era, they had never seen an Asian woman, period, hardly on TV, and you certainly hadn’t seen one with this sharp, incredible brilliance and wit and authority, in the way that Connie Chung showed up for Asian women, and women period, in the ’70s, ’80s, and early ’90s.
That is something that I hope to represent to young Black women and girls who are even thinking about law school today. Don’t worry, you don’t have to go name your baby Eboni! But I think it’s really important to be a model for something that we don’t see enough of. Grace be to God, luckily I don’t do this work alone. Now we have Ketanji Brown Jackson sitting on the US Supreme Court – first Black woman in American history – that matters, that’s important to this.
Would that have made a difference to me when I was matriculating in law school almost 20 years ago? Yeah, it matters. Those are the decisions you’re reading. You’re reading around about [Antonin] Scalia, and Justice [Anthony] Kennedy, and [Clarence] Thomas, and all this stuff, and to see even the name, Ketanji Brown Jackson, even the name Eboni K. Williams – these are very Afrocentric, Black-sounding names. There was a time when even that was so otherized and demonized in the law, it was so discredited.
I had a brilliant first year law school professor called Shaniqua Gray and she taught Torts, and I ended up making one of the only two As in her class and going on to be her teaching assistant the next year. When she wrote my letter of recommendation for a job I applied to, she signed it S. Gray. I asked, “Why did you sign it that way?” and she said, “I don’t want anyone to think I am less astute, less credible, or less of an attorney because my name is Shaniqua and they don’t understand how that fits into a space that is so white and so male.”
So a lot of the work that I do, in insisting [I am called] Eboni K. Williams, that K is for Ki-uhnna and you better frickin’ say it, is because I am very adamant in expanding perceptions of who Black girls and who Black women are in this thing called ‘the law.’
Crime is the “original reality TV”
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 15: Eboni K. Williams attends the 2023 Pan African Film & Arts Festival – Eboni K. Williams And Devyn Bakewell “Bet On Black” Discussion And Book Signing at Malik Books on February 15, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Unique Nicole/Getty Images)
Daniel Falconer: Law and crime are a genre that a lot of people are obsessed with, why do you think that is? Is it just human nature?
Eboni K. Williams: Absolutely. It’s the same reason that I watch Forensic Files every single night before bed, and I still do. Either that or Golden Girls! Crime is the original reality TV. Even thinking back to The People’s Court, which wasn’t necessarily crime but still in this courtroom space, [and] To Kill A Mockingbird.
You know why? It’s great storytelling. We’ve got somebody to root for, you’ve got an antihero, you’ve got conflict normally at the highest level – tends to be murder – then you’ve got some kind of resolution known as the trial or disposition of what went down. So you’ve got a full storytelling in this capacity and it’s extremely compelling and it’s very high stakes, and it’s very relatable to anybody from all walks of life.
The legal system is stacked against Black people
Daniel Falconer: Your words in the podcast are, “the legal system is stacked against Black people.” That’s a provable fact, so why do you think so many people have a problem with admitting that this is the reality?
Eboni K. Williams: Because if you admit the reality of that provable fact, it implies some level of complicit nature if you’re not doing anything actively to change it, right? I know that this is where it starts to get uncomfortable for some. If you acknowledge the truth of things that you don’t even agree with, things like homophobia, transphobia, sexism, racism, you name it, and you’re not out here actively being an anti-racist … if you’re not actively working on behalf of saving the lives of immigrants, then the subtext is that you are complicit.
So what becomes easier than doing the work of dismantling these rigged systems that benefit some and are detrimental to others, even deadly to others – [you] turn away. Don’t see it, don’t see something, don’t say something, and go on about your business. Under that model of wilful delusion, society gets to function as it’s functioned in a way that is still comfortable enough for many.
Daniel Falconer: I think that then evolves as well – once they turn away, they can then flip it into, “I’m the victim.“
Eboni K. Williams: I was reading something in the New York Times and it was around a construct that even I had not heard of yet, and it’s called “Guilt vs Guiltiness.” Many of us have read essays around white guilt, or hetero guilt, and we understand that, but the guilt versus the guiltiness.
The guilt is legitimate and can be a really powerful tool in dismantling systemic oppression. Sometimes guilt, the acknowledgment of, “Oh wow, I am a heterosexual woman who doesn’t have legislation coming down on my right to adopt children,” as the queer community does. I could feel guilty about that, and that guilt could inspire me to do something about it.
Or, I can feel guiltiness, and the guiltiness works like this: “Oh my God, that’s horrible that that’s happening, I feel guiltiness around it,” which doesn’t inspire action, it inspires me to be preoccupied by how that inequity makes me look. So now the guiltiness is not around fixing this problem, the guiltiness is around making sure that I’m alleviated of perceived wrongdoing individually. So now a system problem, a problem that really hurts or harms other, I’ve made it about me through my guiltiness.
“I don’t make the podcast for the Ramonas”
Daniel Falconer: These conversations come up in the podcast, so do you think it will be quite a confronting listen for the Ramona Singers of the world, shall we say, to listen to this podcast?
Eboni K. Williams: Well Ramona will be particularly confronted by our highest-performing episode to-date, which was Sometimes You Gotta Take A MF To HR, so thank you Ramona and Carlos King for that 50,000 plus new listenership. At times Dan, there’s gonna be content on our show that does that. But the best thing to me about our show is that we go in the deep end of the pool, because I’m an intellectual heavyweight and so is my brilliant co-host Dustin Ross. But we’re also hella fun, Dustin’s a comedic genius. There’s a lot of entertainment value that comes along with this show, which is the way I produced it and designed it with intention.
Nobody wants to go to law school unless you’re an idiot like those of us that went and we’re all still paying back Sallie Mae for it. I’m joking, I love the law and I loved law school. This podcast is not to duplicate [a] lecture hall in civil procedure 101. This podcast is to take basic legalese, basic legal dynamics from celebrity justice stuff, so like Kevin Costner’s estranged wife refusing to leave his house, even though he’s got a quote, “ironclad prenup,” what the hell is an ironclad prenup? I’ve never seen a prenup that I couldn’t beat!
Or it can be the social justice stuff. It can be the man here in New York City who was just indicted for the killing of Jordan Neely, the mentally-challenged Black man who was killed on a New York City subway through a chokehold, so we expand the gamut. Is that uncomfortable for the quote, Ramonas of the world? Maybe, but on the right day, I even saw Ramona Singer, God is my witness, be curious about her role in potentially advancing some of these issues.
And frankly Dan, I don’t make the podcast for the Ramonas, I don’t make the podcast for those that are hostile to this work. I make this podcast for those who are already brought in as co-conspirators of liberating all of us collectively as intersected people, or those that are on the fence. If you’re on the fence, this could be the podcast that brings you over the fence, and for that I’m extremely proud.
Daniel Falconer: As you say, you balance it with the entertainment, the chemistry’s great, I especially enjoyed White Mess, I’m glad you got the title through! You made a comment about Rihanna’s form of Black protest by not releasing new music. I found that really interesting, could you delve into that a little for me?
Eboni K. Williams: Yes! So one of my greatest heroes is the late and incredibly great James Baldwin, and Baldwin is a writer of writers. He wrote a lot of essays. One of them, he goes deep. He talks about this also in my favorite Baldwin book, The Fire Next Time, so if you are not familiar with James Baldwin and you wanna know a good place to start – which a lot of people have asked me since my tenure on RHONY, I feature Baldwin during my Harlem night infamous dinner with the ladies, what a doozy…
Anyways, Baldwin says this. Baldwin says there’s something innately anti-Black and very oppressive around an American society that has always told Black people that one of the very few and limited things that you can do to stand between yourself and death is to entertain. Whether that be athletics – “shut up and dribble” – whether that be old school minstrel shows … Hattie McDaniel being allowed to be such a brilliant actress that she’s the first Black woman to get an Oscar for Gone With The Wind, but not humanized enough to even come into the auditorium and sit with her co-stars. She was regulated to the back of the room, had to accept her Oscar, and then be escorted away out of the ballroom.
When you start with that premise, Baldwin’s argument that it is the entertaining and the ability to make white Americans laugh and have these entertained experiences in which your mere survival is based … Rihanna essentially saying “f*ck that, I’m gonna be a billionairess titan of industry,” is quite the protest.
Eboni on seeing Kim and Kroy’s divorce coming from “a mile away”
WATCH WHAT HAPPENS LIVE WITH ANDY COHEN — Episode 20024 — Pictured: Eboni K. Williams — (Photo by: Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty Images)
Eboni K. Williams: First of all, let’s be clear, I’m not even demonizing Kim in this … I believe that people are completely disingenuous when they pretend as if financial positioning and social structure and status are not innately essential elements of assessing marriage, period. We know it has been since the beginning of time, that’s why dowries were a thing, and that positioning is still true today.
I remember when Kim – because I used to be an avid Housewives watcher – I remember when Kim and Kroy met … she’s coming off of Big Poppa and that ended horribly, and she’s got these girls. Here’s this guy who was a little younger, who was still playing professional football at the time, whose got some level of money but more so status. I used to represent professional athletes, so I really understand the psychology of women who are uber-attracted to professional athletes, there’s a lot going on there. It’s a reason why they date those guys and not the financial CEOs necessarily. There is a kind of razzle dazzle ritziness that comes along with the social status of these celebrities, these athletes.
So, Kroy made sense until he didn’t. that’s why I saw it a mile away. I know the NFL stands for “Not For Long.” Kroy had a surprisingly long career in the NFL, ‘cause most careers end in three years. But again, it made sense when they were on the Don’t Be Tardy spinoff, it made sense when he was still able to earn in the league and beyond, it made sense when there was still a cultural kind of relevance and this and that.
When all that quiets and the money’s not coming in, because he’s out of the league, there’s just a grieving really that has to go on when professional athletes are no longer in the limelight like that. Now Kim is the culturally relevant one all by herself, even though when you picked him you guys were co-captains in that society. Yeah, I saw it coming a mile away because it no longer made sense. She didn’t sign up to have to carry the financial and the cultural shininess of it by herself and that’s essentially where she landed.
Advice for Kim moving forward
Daniel Falconer: What would your advice be to her now then? Would you say do this in private, or make that money and get back on Bravo?
Eboni K. Williams: Let’s be frank, I’m a businesswoman Dan. So my advice is, somebody should move out, even though as I say in the podcast, possession is nine tenths of the law, so I understand why neither one of them want to move out of the house, because they both want a legal claim to the house. But if at least even half of the allegations we’re hearing are true, somebody could get seriously hurt, somebody’s gotta get the hell out of there. We don’t want a War of the Roses situation on our hands. So my first piece of advice, somebody move out. Kim if it’s gotta be you, move out, worry about the house later, we can get you a new one.
Second piece of advice, absolutely go back on reality TV. Kim Zolciak, one of her objective skillsets is being compelling on reality TV. At this point that is a verifiable, certified, monetary skillset. So Kim, figure out what the platform is, figure out what the hook is, and absolutely get back on reality TV, but don’t center it around this divorce, center it around Kim’s comeback. Make herself a hero in this new story, and don’t worry about the money left behind. I learned this from very, very rich people that I associate with.
I had a guy I dated who was a billionaire and he was going through a divorce when I first met him and we were just friends. Dr. Dre was going through a divorce at the same time, and Dr. Dre and his ex just figured that out five years later. My ex paid his ex-wife off, gave her half, and kept it moving, and he’s already made another billion since.
So, it’s kind of like perspective. If you made a billion once you can make it again, most of the time, if you made it off a skill. Kim, don’t worry about whatever sh*t went down with you and Kroy. Make your money again and move forward with your girls.
Eboni still keeps in touch with Sonja, and would consider Ultimate Girls Trip
THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW YORK CITY — Season:13 — Pictured: (l-r) Sonja Morgan, Leah McSweeney, Ramona Singer, Eboni K. Williams, Luann de Lesseps — (Photo by: Sophy Holland/Bravo)
Daniel Falconer: RHONY was a small part of your life, but an interesting and memorable one! I think what may have surprised viewers was that Sonja Morgan was the most emotionally intelligent in receiving what you had to say. Do you still chat to Sonja?
Eboni K. Williams: Absolutely! I was just exchanging messages with her daughter Quincy Morgan today who just graduated. Sonja texts me, we text each other.
I guess if you don’t know, you don’t know, but I will tell you this: it wasn’t even close in terms of how far and beyond Sonja is intellectually and emotionally as well, in terms of not just these issues, that’s just her anyways.
If you get Sonja, especially if she’s sober for lack of a better term, and she’s really focused, I’ve had some of the best relationship conversations with Sonja, some of the best parenting conversations, the best cultural in terms of art and music. Sonja’s really the sh*t honestly. She can cut up, and sometimes that’s a little performative because she thinks of herself as either Lucy or Ethel and that’s fine, but Sonja’s really dope.
Daniel Falconer: If Peacock came knocking, would you do an Ultimate Girls Trip with some of the girls? Maybe from other franchises!
Eboni K. Williams: That would have to be the clause! Exactly. I could consider it. I’d consider it if it’s other franchises and something fresh, and new. You never say never in this business.
Holding Court with Eboni K. Williams is distributed by Interval Presents, Warner Music Group’s in-house podcast network. Each week, Eboni and Dustin Ross break down what’s on the docket in American justice and what’s not. With teachable moments, and a healthy dose of hilarity, it’s an essential listen. New episodes every Wednesday, wherever you get your podcasts.
TELL US – WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE EBONI GO ON AN ULTIMATE GIRLS TRIP? ARE YOU HAPPY TO HEAR HER FRIENDSHIP WITH SONJA IS STILL GOING STRONG? HAVE YOU LISTENED TO THE HOLDING COURT PODCAST?
