*Lisa Wu-Hartwell recently spoke with vibe.com about her time with “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” her book and domestic violence. She said the first season of the show was a hit because it was real, raw, and untainted. But as the show became more popular, producers began to create drama and turned the ladies into characters.
“Our ratings—we were killing everybody so it’s like we gotta stay on top so they had an idea of where they want their characters to go and they forget that we’re not characters in a show we’re real people living our lives,” she told vibe.com. “And sometimes people want to turn you into a character of your former self and I’m just not willing to perform or create something that isn’t there.”
Wu-Harwell said the show became too much of a competition and a chess game, so she decided to get out of it.
“They have an idea of who they want you to be and you can only take that for so long and that’s why I said it’s time to go because I’m not willing to compromise my integrity. It’s like all Black people don’t act this way and it’s unfortunate that we feed into those stereotypes sometimes. I understand you don’t want to watch paint dry. I get it. But it’s a fine line between performing and acting a’fool. I had very real moments, I got upset on the reunion show but at the end of the day there’s a time and a place for everything.”
She has a book coming out Nov. 1 entitled “When the Cake is Made.”
Visit Vibe.com to view the full interview.
Gimme a break Lisa! You cashed out on this show because you had no choice due to the downsizing of your lifestyle. All of it was fake from the first show aired.
Yes and no, Diva. If I am not mistaken, the other home they moved to is even larger than the one that was foreclosed on.
I believe the main issue wasn’t her location as she could rent a home for 6-8 weeks like some others. The main issue is that Bravo wanted her to get into a custody battle with her ex over her sons, and she refused to do it. Gotta give to Bravo, that would have made for some very interesting TV. But she said no……no contract renewal.
Most of it is fake or rather is scripted reality…..like the fight at the shoe party on Monday or the “choking’ incident. The name of the game is If you want to stay on the show, bring the drama. Kind of hard to do that and be shown as normal. In fact, I am beginning to think that is why Nene drinks so much…..every time she does or says something stupid, she just drank or is drinking.
They should have put “REAL” housewives on there to begin with as they did with the other cities.. These chicks financial situations were always shaky as a mug… they have all been struggling to keep up with the Joneses… Out of the old cast, Kim is the only one still in the same townhouse.. the others have had to make changes due to financial difficulties…..
I miss both Lisa and her hair — which was a whole other character by itself.
I’ve never watched the show!
So….you decided that it was time to go or did they decide for you?
Watch Sistah Talk TV Show as they discuss different points of view on black folks doin the “Chitlin Circuit”
She’s right!! Just look at how fake NeNe has become. That mule is so fake that it’s ridiculous. All of them in their rented homes & leased cars need to quit. Lisa was just as fake as the others too so she needs to own up as well.