NeNe Leakes’ Bank Account Seized Over $25,000 Judgement
NeNe Leakes’ Bank Account Seized Over $25,000 Judgement
NeNe Leakes, once one of the most prominent faces on The Real Housewives of Atlanta is facing new financial struggles as a court has ordered $25,000 to be garnished from her bank account. The sum is intended to cover unpaid rent tied to her now-closed business, Swagg Boutique, and highlights the ongoing fallout from a lease signed several years ago.
According to court documents, the legal debt stems from a 2017 lease with MPG-Sugarloaf, the company that rented out a commercial property to Leakes for her retail venture. While Swagg Boutique initially appeared to be a success, the business was unable to weather the storm brought by the COVID-19 pandemic and closed its doors permanently in 2022.
The Lease That Led to Trouble
Swagg Boutique, which was known for offering trendy clothing and accessories, opened its doors with high hopes. Fans of Leakes flocked to the store, and it seemed that the former reality TV star had found a promising post-Housewives career. However, like many small businesses, Swagg Boutique suffered during the pandemic and never fully recovered.
In 2023, MPG-Sugarloaf sued Leakes, claiming she owed $22,000 in unpaid rent from the lease agreement. NeNe, in response, tried to shift responsibility for the lease to her late husband, Gregg Leakes. She took to social media to explain her side of the story, writing, “Gregg signed the lease not me! He ain’t here.” Unfortunately for Leakes, this defense did not hold up in court.
By November 2023, the court entered a default judgment against Leakes for a total of $25,631. This amount included unpaid rent, interest, and legal fees. Since then, MPG-Sugarloaf has been actively pursuing the money owed, leading to the recent court decision allowing the funds to be seized directly from Leakes’ account at Truist Bank.
Financial Pressure Mounts
The court’s ruling represents a significant financial hit for Leakes, who has not held a full-time job since her departure from The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Despite several guest appearances and business ventures, her high-profile presence in the entertainment industry has waned in recent years.
To add further irony, the bank tasked with garnishing the funds—Truist Bank — is the same institution currently handling the foreclosure of fellow Real Housewives of Atlanta alum Kim Zolciak’s home. The legal and financial troubles surrounding these former reality stars have raised eyebrows, especially as both were once celebrated for their lavish lifestyles on the show.
NeNe’s Absence in Court
One detail that stands out in the case is NeNe Leakes’ absence throughout much of the legal proceedings. Despite the significant financial implications, Leakes did not attend the most recent court hearing, where the judge signed off on the garnishment order. Her decision to stay away from the courtroom has led to speculation about her current financial situation and strategy in dealing with the legal matters at hand.
Legal experts note that default judgments, like the one entered against Leakes, typically occur when a defendant fails to respond to a lawsuit or attend hearings. In this case, the judgment has allowed MPG-Sugarloaf to accelerate efforts to recover the money owed, directly targeting Leakes’ financial accounts.
A Difficult End for Swagg Boutique
The closure of Swagg Boutique marks the end of what once seemed like a promising new venture for NeNe Leakes. The store had been an extension of her personal brand, offering fans a chance to purchase items curated by the reality star herself. However, the pandemic’s economic impact on small businesses, coupled with mounting legal battles, brought the Swagg Boutique dream to an unfortunate close.
Though Leakes has remained quiet about her future plans, the financial garnishment adds to the list of challenges she has faced in recent years. From the loss of her husband Gregg in 2021 to her departure from reality TV and ongoing legal issues, it’s clear that the once-dominant RHOA star is navigating a period of significant personal and financial transition.
As this legal case continues to unfold, many fans are left wondering what’s next for NeNe Leakes and whether she’ll make a return to the spotlight — this time on her own terms.
Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips
Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.