NeNe Leakes Dropped from Xscape Reunion Tour Over Rape Joke
Though she apologized on Monday, NeNe Leakes is still facing consequences over a rape joke she made about a heckler during her stand-up set last weekend.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star made headlines when she called out a female heckler while on stage for the “Girls Nite Out for Laughs” stand-up comedy show at the Paramount Theater in Oakland, California. After getting booed by the crowd, Leakes told the woman she hoped her Uber driver would rape her on the way home.
Leakes took to Facebook on Monday to apologize for her choice of words.
“I truly regret and apologize for what I said from the stage in Oakland over the weekend,” she wrote. “Sometimes words can cut deep and hurt when you have no intentions of them doing so.”
“As a woman and someone who has survived abuse, I regret the words that I used,” she continued. “I made a mistake and I should have known better. I hope people accept my deepest and sincerest apologies. I am sorry.”
Despite the apology, Leakes was still fired from her hosting duties on the reunion tour of ’90s R&B group Xscape, which features her RHOA co-star Kandi Burruss.
In a statement obtained by ET, the group wrote, “Like many, we were dismayed by the recent remarks made by our talented colleague and friend NeNe Leakes. As a result, we have decided to no longer proceed with her participation on our tour. It was an unfortunate incident for which NeNe has since apologized and we wish her the best as she navigates this very difficult period.”
“As strong supporters of all women, we know this decision is what is best,” the statement continued. “Our hearts go out to all female victims and we stand with you! This tour is for and about our fans and we want to provide an entertaining and enjoyable experience for every single person who attends. As always, we are grateful for the love and support and we look forward to seeing all of you at ‘The…