Claudia: NeNe Turned Up, Not Me

Bravotv.com: What did you think of Cynthia's acting in Kenya's pilot?
Claudia Jordan: I thought Cynthia did a great job and was very funny and believable. It was an over-the-top character, and Cynthia committed and gave 100%. I thought she came off really cute! I told her that she should continue pursuing a career in acting.

Bravotv.com: Was the vibe still positive between everyone at Phaedra's event?
CJ: Yes, the vibe was still good between all of us that went on the trip. I was pleasantly surprised that we were all able to be around each other, be civil, and greet each other and not be rude or nasty. I didn't know what our duties would be when I agreed to attend the event -- all I knew was that we made progress on the trip to the Philippines and there was no reason for me not to go and support. So when we arrived and were told we were just going to be in the kitchen making plates, I put on my apron and got to work.

Bravotv.com: What was going through your mind after the confrontation with NeNe?
CJ: I didn't feel I was out of line at all! I was not loud and no one heard me in the audience at the event. I kept a calm, cool tone. I was standing next to NeNe in the kitchen making plates, and I certainly wasn't going to ignore the woman for the entire time while we're supposed to be working together. So I started making small talk. And it started off fine, I asked how her health was and told her that it was too bad she couldn't make the trip because of her blood clots. Then I said we hadn't seen her since the Dr. Jeff session that she put together, and she started insulting me and Cynthia, while never once making eye contact or acknowledging Cynthia, which was very rude. Then she started talking at us, not to us, and raising her voice to the point where she could be heard in the other room. She turned up at the event, not me. So when she threw out the false statement that we had said very rude things about her (or something like that), I wanted to know what she was talking about, because it just wasn't true, and one thing I hate is being lied about. If you are going to throw that out there, you better have examples. I found it funny and ironic that this woman was standing there lying about me without taking any responsibility for anything that she has said about everyone else. My thing is this -- we all have been shady, but do not act like you are such a victim of everyone else's shade when you keep on doing it over and over again -- then you wonder why folks don't accept your apologies…

I started off saying hello, being kind, smiling, making eye contact, and attempting to work together. I thought there was nothing wrong with my tone. When NeNe made comments about "taking it to the streets," I was surprised. What has really transpired between us to get to this point? All I did was expect an answer to a question, and now someone wants to fight? Girl, bye! We are both over 40 and we will not be jeopardizing anyone's delicate hip bones with a street fight!
Although it was a step backwards with NeNe, I'm still happy with how everyone else at this point was still being cordial and doing their part to keep as much of the group on good terms as possible. When NeNe exited we finished the event in good spirits. I explained to Phaedra and Porsha what had happened between me and NeNe, they didn't hold it against me, we went back to serving the men at the event nice warm meals, and we laughed and took pictures together. So no one was mad that day. Just saying...

I just wanted to add that one of the benefits of being part of #RHOA has been making new friendships and doing business with other successful women. This weekend I was honored to work with Kandi Burruss on her Women's Empowerment MasterClass. She asked me to moderate, and I was happy to do it. The panel discussions were amazing, and it was such a positive and powerful event. Kandi truly is an example of a woman that empowers, employs, and uplifts other women, and I appreciate her for it! Good job!