Season 16 of The Real Housewives of Atlanta introduced us to several new peaches. Kelli Ferrell, who is a busy mom to four daughters, stood out. She is outspoken, funny, and a boss in business. The cookbook author and chef also has a restaurant, Nana’s Chicken-N-Waffles. This business was a point of contention during Kelli’s messy divorce from Chuvalo Mark Ferrell.
RHOA’s Kelli Ferrell and ex-husband Chuvalo Mark Ferrell are not in touch
Chuvalo and Kelli were married for 11 years and share three daughters. Plus, Kelli has another daughter, her eldest, from a previous relationship. Meanwhile, this RHOA newbie wasn’t afraid to speak out about her marriage to Chuvalo.
During episodes of RHOA, she accused her ex-husband of alleged financial and physical abuse. Kelli told her pal Brit Eady that Chuvalo allegedly cleared out the restaurant’s bank account. And when Kelli attempted to leave the family home, a “physical” altercation ensued between the former couple. I mean, Kelli’s real-life bodyguard is getting some screen time on Atlanta.
“The only thing that I can say to that is I speak my truth no matter what that looks like,” Kelli told PEOPLE. “So if it’s something that is shared or talked about, I know for me that I’m always telling my truth and sharing my story and my experiences.”
She added that since she and Chuvalo are no longer in contact, she “wouldn’t know” what he thinks about her discussing their marriage on TV. “If someone doesn’t want to hear those things,” Kelli stated, “then maybe I should have been treated a lot better.” Amen!
Recently, Kelli and her eldest daughter, 17-year-old Chloe, talked about her relationship with Chuvalo on camera. It was heartbreaking. Although Chuvalo raised Chloe from the time she was a toddler, they are estranged.
Kelli stated, “When you sign up for reality TV, you know that you have to be your authentic self. And for us during that time, that was a conversation that transpired.”
The Real Housewives of Atlanta airs on Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo. The show streams on Hayu in the UK and Ireland.
TELL US – WHAT DO YOU THINK OF KELLI ON RHOA? DO YOU ADMIRE THE WAY THAT SHE STANDS IN HER TRUTH?
