The 'Real Housewives of Dallas' is back for season 5 and fans are very excited. The new season is bringing about a whole new lot of drama, storylines, and of course, a brand new housewife! Bravo officially introduced Tiffany Moon last night, making her the first-ever Asian cast member on any of 'The Real Housewives' franchises. While all eyes were on Moon and the rest of the beloved 'RHOD' cast, it was LeeAnne Locken's absence that had everyone talking.
The star is no longer part of the show and was revealed to have stepped down after the controversy that took place back in season 4. While "stepping down" usually means fired by Bravo, something Dorinda Medley could attest to, fans are wondering whether or not LeeAnne was, in fact, fired or if she left the show on her own terms. So, what was the reason for her departure? Let's find out!
Was LeeAnne Locken Fired?
Tonight's episode of 'The Real Housewives of Dallas' certainly did not disappoint, while things usually start off on a fun and slow pace at the start, it seems as if this season will be jam-packed with more drama, more laughs, and a lot more questions surrounding LeeAnne Locken's controversy. In season 4 of Bravo's hit show, 'RHOD', LeeAnne made headline news after making a number of racially insensitive comments regarding Mexicans, particularly on their cast trip to Thailand last year.
Despite being called out, the star assured fans and followers that she does not think being Mexican is "negative" as she has "slept with plenty of Mexicans by the way. Hot f—ing lovers", she said. This was after Andy Cohen grilled LeeAnne Locken for referring to Kary Brittingham as a "chirpy Mexican", amongst many other things.
Considering the magnitude of LeeAnne's actions, it was only fitting for fans to assume that when she announced her departure from the show after the season wrapped, it was due to producers having fired her. Well, it seems as if LeeAnne really did step down on her own terms.
According to The Blast, LeeAnne Locken was not fired by Bravo for being racist or making racially insensitive comments, despite fans pushing the network to let her go. Instead, it seems as if LeeAnne came to the decision herself. The star made the announcement back in February 2020 via Instagram, where she shared a post with a series of photos of herself throughout her 'RHOD' journey. LeeAnne wrote a message to her fans explaining her departure from the show for good.
"The season was very personally challenging for me", she said. "I am looking forward to stepping away from the cameras and spending quality time with my husband and friends, traveling, but most importantly, getting back to philanthropy", Locken finished. The star made it clear that philanthropy was the reason she joined the show and is very much looking forward to using her platform for all that is good.