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In a new interview Phaedra Parks talks about how the woman she plays on TV is an exaggeration of who she really is; claiming the producers encourage the ladies to play a part! Shockingly, Phaedra admits that the editors manipulate how the characters appear on screen!
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star, famous for her “Everybody knows…” statements and sassy commentary, reveals that while there is a part of her personality that is “silly and Southern-belle-esque” the producers “prefer” to show that side over her serious side. Phaedra wisely takes it with a grain of salt, explaining: “At the end of the day, I hope when people watch the show, they realize it’s for entertainment.”
“If you don’t have editing rights, you can say a lot of different things and once it’s on the editing table, it might look like something else,” she informs us. ”That’s part of reality TV. Everything on reality TV isn’t as real as you think it is.” Phaedra is well aware that she can act like the normal, sophisticated, professional woman she is almost all the time, but the minute she resorts to cattiness the producers will “air the dopey or catty quote.”
“I try to live without regrets,” she says of participating in the show. Adding she would not do anything differently from last season because the producers chose how each of the women are portrayed. “It doesn’t matter how careful you are. Whatever your character is, is what they make it to be,” she quips. “It’s not who I am but who the producers think I am.” Wow! Is someone trying to get their contract terminated!?
“For people who know me, they understand that. We each have distinct characters on the show. No one is one dimensional. Characters have to be consistent to the part they’re playing.”
Interestingly, Bravo recently released a comment chastising Millionaire Matchmaker’s Patti Stanger for attempting to pitch a new reality show where all the characters were required to “act” a certain way for the story, saying they don’t produce shows with “stipulations” about how the participants behave!
Phaedra does not feel the show has changed her or affected her professional standing. “I still have the same friends. I am still doing the same things I was doing prior to ‘Housewives.’ ” So is D-wrong Eubanks her friend in real-life or a made for TV acquaintance?
Commenting about how appearing on TV as the ditzy Southern Belle may affect her legal career, Phaedra isn’t worried! “My reputation speaks for itself,” she declares. “The TV show hasn’t changed people’s thoughts about me. It makes me more recognizable.”
As for how the show merges her real-life with the show, Phaedra reveals she truly is friends with co-stars Kandi Burruss and Sheree Whitfield. “We speak quite a bit,” she says of Kandi. “I knew her prior to the show but this has afforded us more time to hang out with each other. I consider her part of my close circle of friends.”
Speaking about Sheree’s on-going custody and child support issues with ex-husband Bob Whitfield, Phaedra was more than happy to help! “Sheree and I have become close friends as well. Any time a friend comes for legal advice, I’ll do anything I can.” Phaedra was also a guest at co-star and friend Kim Zolciak’s 11-11-11 nuptials. A TwitPic of Phaedra, Kandi, and Patti attending the wedding is below!
There is one person Phaedra definitely does not share an off-screen relationship with – NeNe Leakes! “Obviously, we take a very long trip to Africa,” she snips.
As for her interest in the funeral business Phaedra assures us it’s very real! She has an interest in learning “all aspects” of the business and has even enrolled in part-time mortuary classes!
Moving on, tonight is an all-new episode of Real Housewives of Atlanta! In the second episode of the season titled “Surprisingly Rich”, NeNe, Cynthia Bailey and Kandi take a trip to Miami after NeNe’s feud with Sheree. How they roped Kandi into that trip I’ll never understand! Also, Phaedra begins to seriously consider the funeral business and someone throws her a surprise birthday party!
The new episode airs at 9/8c and a preview clip is below!
On Watch What Happens Live, the guest is none other than NeNe who I am sure will have plenty of comments about everyone and everything – including Kim’s wedding!
THOUGHTS ON PHAEDRA’S INTERVIEW? DO YOU BELIEVE HER STATEMENTS ABOUT BRAVO MANIPULATING HOW THE WOMEN ARE PORTRAYED OR IS SHE BLAMING EDITING?
The RHOA cast plus Patti Stanger at Kim’s wedding!
Why does everyone make jokes about Nene’s teeth yet never comments about Phaedra having a GIGANTIC gap between her two front teeth? As an attorney, couldn’t she afford to fix it?
I think Apollo is using Phaedra. They are not having sex yet they haven’t been married all that long. He basically called her fat on national television while they were taking a stroll. She wants him to better himself and join in on her possible business venture and he wants no part of it. Then she used lawyer jargon to say what he is really doing which didn’t sound like much? Repossessing cars? Yet he complains about work because of his felony record. I wonder how long that piece of paper (I mean her momma) is going to keep them together.
Khandi will always be one of my favorites. (Although I can’t stand MeanNe, or her observations of any of the women), I do agree that Khandi needs some attention to hair and wardrobe; It is not so much her size and shape – the way she dresses being a disservice. Also, I wish Khandi and Kim would have settled their financial issues by now. Khandi being a pro in the business should have had an iron-clad written agreement or render her massive help to Kim’s song as a ‘donation’. It is without a doubt that Tardy for the Party is a success BECAUSE of Khandi’s hardworking skills – remember MeanNe’s delusional threat of failure, if she were not apart of the song. (It was at the time when MeanNe got all up in Khandi’s face demanding an apology…funny how MeanNe can’t fathom Khandi’s Angry Black Woman persona.
Taking a clue from BBWLa, the women on RHOA should ‘boycott’ the beast.
@98. You are giving them a long time. I don’t see them lasting more than five. Sad to say but when you marry under pressure or not for genuine reasons, it doesn’t last more than five years. Apollo needs to get his caree/finances together so when they are divorced, he can take care of the child.
Meant to say, MeanNe can’t fathom Khandi’s referencing the ABW persona.
have a bad feeling we’ll be seeing more of Kim’s daughter, prolly as soon as next year on “14 and Pregnant (by my now 26-year-old stepdaddy)” ugh, bad bad situation in that house, young kids exposed to too much too soon…
102 They are using eachother. Apollo is using her for a roof over his head and stability. Where else was he going to go after being in prison after all of those years? Phaedra was forced to marry him because she was pregnant and her mother wasn’t about to have her daugher have a child out of wedlock. Phaedra is using him for a husband yet doesn’t want to give him what a husband should be entitled to legally in the event of a divorce. Thus the prenup.
Why were Kim’s children in the room while the adults were discussing sex and talking so much trash? It was completely inappropriate and uncalled for. Those children are just like Teresa’s and are exposed to way too much.
A few thoughts on RHOA:
I don’t really watch it anymore, but did catch some of it last night. Some thoughts:
–I continue to wonder why the folks at Bravo insist on portraying Atlanta as a bastion of do-nothing loser Black men who are either trannies or deadbeats. Yes, there are some there, but there are MANY like the Black guy on DC housewives ie college-educated, entrepreneurial, not ex-cons, etc. I am REALLY taking issue with Bravo’s portrayal of Atlanta folks.
–Kroy Bierman does seem to be a genuinely nice guy, but there must be a screw loose somewhere. In a city filled with potentials, he chose someone best known for dating married men and other women. Hmmm Beyond that, just out of curiosity I just checked his contract. He signed a four-year $1.8 million in 08! His contract is up next year. In other words, HE IS NOT STACKING ENOUGH PAPER TO SPEND $22,000 on a chocolate diamond bracelet. Either that was done just for the cameras or he really does want to be headed for the poor house sooner than later. Beyond that, it was cute that Kim’s kids like him, but already calling him “daddy?” He hasn’t even known Kim for a year yet, correct? I don’t know, the whole thing is just…off. Perhaps they were just destiny waiting to happen, but there is a lot weird about the whole thing.
–I think it’s safe to say Phaedra wanted to be a married mother and snatched up Apollo more for that reason that anything else. He’s cute, but does not seem to be anywhere near her intellectual level. But in case there really is love there, he needs to allow her to help set him up. Her whole funeral business thing is about her trying to make a way for him to make an honest living. He should maximize the opportunity before the marriage is over and she moves on. Just a thought.
@Shane…Apollo said something like the baby is getting fat just like your mama…and phaedra speaking of not having sex anymore is a death knell for this union.
I think she is pretty and accomplished and can do better. I do hope I’m wrong.
109 TG1 I wonder if Apollo’s lack of interest in the funeral business has anything to do with the prenup? Did he sign a prenup stating that any business she has will be solely hers in the event of a divorce? Why would he want to be HER employee whenever they get divorced? She wants it to be her business and for him to work for HER. He isn’t stupid. That’s why he wants to persue his own career. Just my opinion.
#108: @Apollo:
Ur right, thought that was WAY disturbing, the sex talk with the kids in the room, then again, IMO, makes ALL the difference with the CAMS there…gotta create Something, and keep it movin’[the Show]….makes all the difference with the Cams present….and not ina Good way, imho…wonder if they woulda’ said all that Crap if the Cams weren’t there………???….prolly not…[which is the difference between "Real" and "Reality Show", and what Phaedra's alluding to in the above Blurb....]……..
I think Andy rigged the WWHL poll!
Me love some Phaedra Parks and kandi…. kim talking about nene teeth i was laughing so HARD…. VERY RICH!!!!! HATERS so rich according to Sheree she needs to get her Motherf*** teeth fixed…..
I don’t think Apollo is only with Phaedra because he needs a roof over his head and stability. Atlanta has plenty of women that would be willing to house, feed and clothe Apollo. As for the fat joke he made, can’t wrap my head around that, the refusal to go into the funeral business is understandable, I know I couldn’t do it. As we see in the upcoming episodes he’s going to face the hardship that millions of felons face, I applaud the both of them for showing this side rather than try to glorify his status. Their baby sure is a cute little guy, I wish they would have let him babble more than stick that nasty pacifier in his mouth!
107 Apollo Has Grown…
I see your point and I agree that Phaedra is using him as a husband. In order to appease her mother and have a beautiful child she would have to marry him. But I also think that having a prenup was a very smart move on her part. He has the chance to take advantage of opportunities that would never have come his way before. She shouldn’t have to give up the money she earned before she married him. The money they earn while together well that’s a different story.
@113 Tom,
I think so also, Andy the b*tch has his favorites, when they are on they can do no wrong and everyone is “hating” on them! Can’t stand him!
@112 meinnyc,
Yeah you’re right, I guess it would have been too hard to say excuse me girls we’re talking older stuff right now! I also thought the whole Kim’s daughter and Kandi’s daughter was a bit much, hell these girls are 9 right?!
@111: “Why would he want to be HER employee whenever they get divorced?”
Good point. I get that he may not be interested in that kind of business (who would be?). But I do think that Phaedra is doing like most women who have men who are falling short–she is trying to help him in a roundabout way. Did you see her stumbling to describe what he supposedly does for a living now? I KNOW that’s embarrassing for her. She is trying to get him a gig that he can do without an education and depsite his record. All I’m saying is that in his predicament, he might need to be more open to means of making money. Beggers can’t be choosers…
Why was Kim walking around showing off her saggin’ floppin’ boobs in that ugly dress? I’m a mother and have been pregnant yet that is no excuss for looking like that mess! She thought she looked good too! Just because it’s designer doesn’t mean it’s pretty! She is taking full advantage of being pregnant. Must be rough having a child when your 50!
I’m pretty certain that the house NeNe looked at with a broker in Miami is Hulk Hogan’s, or was.
Phaedra knows exactly what Apollo does, but didn’t want it to sound as lowlife as it is: he’s a repo guy. And while Phaedra seems nicer this year, I don’t know where she gets off with that “southern belle” bs. If she didn’t have a $200 blowout every few weeks and wasn’t wearing a ton of makeup, she would look completely average. Money can’t buy you class, but it can buy you a presentable appearance!
Phaedra blowout looks like a blowout, nothing about her hair styled that way says $200. Phaedra is a pretty woman, whether she is blowing her out on her own or going to an upscale beauty salon.
@108 I completely agree. I was like why is her daughter standing there listening to a very adult conversation. I am sure they have the birds and the bees talk but it was still wrong for her to be listening to that. I do think it was kind of wrong for Phaedra to assume that this new family business would be welcomed by all. Not everybody likes dealing with dead people and she should have had that discussion w/her husband a long time ago. Her son probably will not even want to to do that when he grows up. It is a calling and not everybody has it so leave
Apollo alone about it.
@122 Brittany, I skimmed through but where’s does it say she gets a blow out? Just curious, please don’t take the wrong way. Thanks.
On the Halloween episode of WWHL, Phaedra and Apollo were among the guest. Dressed as Mortician and Gomes Addams. I recalled them both in agreement that they were in the funeral business.
Yet, in reading the comments, I do recall how uncomfortable it was to watch Apollo be so dismissive of Phaedra’s suggestions. She is a smart woman with an eye for business and was seemingly trying to wrangle his involvement (as a family affair). Yet, last season, he did agree to some degrading things to appease her – the pickle picture poses. However, he was a no-show at the Baby Shower Bourghetto event. I hope their marriage works – I can’t help it – Apollo is cute, DAY-UM!
@124 Duhh – she’s Black. Her hair isn’t naturally smooth and straight, hence the blow out.
Also, agree with the comments about Kim’s children in the room with all that sex talk. I’m a woman (in her late 40′s) would be ALSO be uncomfortable with such talk, in any company – especially children. I’m hoping Kim’s daughters can be well-adjusted despite their mother’s flaws. (I cross my fingers). As far as the multiple baby fathers: Here are RHOA stats: Sheree (2; one for her eldest daughter, and two with Whitfield deadbeat); Nene (2; two kids each with a different father – think she only married one of them); Khandi – one baby with a deadbeat dad, no marriage; Cynthia one baby, no marriage, actively-involved father. Yet, Peter seems to be a deadbeat dad to his kids. Kim two kids, married (thought both kids had the same father…saw husband left her while she was 7 months pregnant with second child; now a son with Kroy who she married). Phaedra…married BEFORE child was born (as a result, her son is not a (cultural) bastard.
I think Phaedra is beautiful with her gap; in similar fashion as one of top model, Lauren Hutton. The fact about Nene’s teeth has do with her having ROTTEN teeth (from which the toxins run the bloodstream which can be detrimental to her overall health. For years, she sported bald gums on her bottom canine teeth back on both sides. This was noticeable from day one – so if she considered herself as “one of the Jonese” – sporting those lacking teef put her in the social standing of many who are poor without adequate health insurance (or money). I don’t know how a person can chew food without significant molars.
She probably swallows her food whole — looks like it. “A clean toofus is a happy toofus”.
@ Sharon 126, she pays $200 to get her hair like that? Sorry, but I don’t know Phaedra so I’m not familiar with her hair’s organic state.
I don’t know her hair’s “organic state” either, but if she’s having a relaxer and conditioner put in, shampoo then a blow-out, it could very well cost $200.
I read Nene’s blog and was surprised to have something pointed out that I hadn’t thought of before. Nene states that Kandi likes to play both sides, when I thought about the trip then Kandi going back at Kim’s BD party talking about Nene being “rich” and laughing that made me think about Kandi going to see Phaedra in the hospital and finding out she was full term and running back to tell the group they were right about the weird due date! Kandi is someone I plan to watch, I always considered her to be “above” the crap but she’s in it just as much as the rest are!
Sigh….I’m so glad that this all for show…because Paedra honey, you are starting to creep my as out…..this dark underground mentality you’re showing…is creepy.
Khandi got called out on WWHL last night by NeNe and rightly so….why would you go anywhere with that crazed woman knowing how much she disrespects you??? Show some balls, child.
I found this episode quite boring NeNe as usual is a damn donkey!!!. Kim is still cool but a tad bit annoying with the Sweetie assistant.And poor Cynthia if by any chance she can get out of NeNe butt-hole for a second she might be able to half way think and maybe walk and chew gum.
Sorry, but Pheadra clearly doesn’t respect her husband and possibly only married because of her biological clock, her pregnancy, or she just wanted a light-skin boy, lol. She’s weird
So she just admitted that she’s fake as hell for the cameras. Is the whole Christian thing an act as well? Just wondering..
Why did’nt she smile. I love counting the gaps between her teeth. Money can buy you rims and jewelry but can never buy you class!
I must say I do agree with those of you who stated to watch Kandi, she’s two-faced and sneaky and a trouble maker. In addition to that I honestly don’t understand why she was selected to be on this show. She’s not a house-wife and is no where near on the professional level of some of the other ladies on the show. That hood rat aka boughetto mentality she portrays is really not cute and the sex toy business while raising a young lady, hmmm… Moving on we already know how people other than black folk raise their children so I am not surprised that Kim’s children were present during that adult conversation and the cameras were on them and nobody once said for the children to leave the room so we already know where their futures are heading. Yes I do believe that Phaedra and Apollo will not last longer than 5 years and that’s pushing it, I just hope for the baby’s sake they make the right decisions along the way. NeNe is my girl and she is the ONLY reason I watch this show, I love her and she’s not mean, she’s honest and people can’t stand to hear the truth, that’s why they hate on her and always got something negative to say about her. She makes this show worth watching, it is what it is. Cynthia, Peter is not the man for you, not sure what happened with Leon but this union will not last and Peter has no respect for Cynthia let alone women in general, looking like a chocolate Papa Smurf! Sheree, embarassing having to run after that deadbeat for child support and why she seems to think she’s all that is beyond me, she needs a life and something to keep her occupied thus building a house from the ground up, hmph alrightey then.
And another thing, why would a straight, married man, Peter care about whether or not Lawrence the gay dude was wearing his pumps? hmmmm, questionable in addition to how does Lawrence know Apollo, hmmm NeNe doesn’t bit her tongue and I love it, if more people were that honest with each other we would have less break up of friendships and relationships, it’s as simple as that. Why can’t we be happy for one another’s success? Lord knows in order for anyone to be successful they must invest in others and bless others with their blessings, period. Hating on each other is not the way to go. I also agree with who said Kandi should have had a contract so she could have gotten paid for Tardy for the Party, which was corny but it’s the principal and she should have known better dealing with Kim, trifling and running around rocking an engagement ring from a married man. She lucked up with Kroy, let’s see how long it lasts. And ladies please be careful of those Peters out there, starting businesses funded with your hard money like what Cynthia is about to go through again after already losing $10,000+ in his last failed business. Scandalous chile, scandalous lol
This is just a comment to the person who made the remark about Phaedra having a gap in her teeth and her not having it fixed; not everyone considers a gap in the teeth flawed, therefore there in no need for repair or “fixed”!