The Real Housewives of Potomac star Wendy Osefo has been one of Season 8’s biggest focal points, arguing with fellow Nigerian Housewife Nneka Ihim over shrines, witchcraft, and voodoo. She’s stayed quiet so far, but now, the professor is ready to speak out by defending her family and upbringing.
Throughout the new season, Nneka and Wendy have been feuding over rumors that Wendy’s mom submitted Nneka’s name to a shrine. According to Zen Wen, there’s a lot of meaning behind some of her culture’s practices, and misrepresenting it could have negative effects. “That fact that this woman is using xenophobic tropes is heinous in our culture. I can’t even think of a truly equivalent word or a term in American culture because it’s that bad,” she said.
“I feel for the audience because a lot of you are not privy to the cultural nuances that are going on,” Dr. Wendy told Decider. “I’ve noticed a lot of African and Nigerian viewers are up in arms because this is not right,” she added. “This is beyond disrespect.”
Wendy and Nneka’s feud continues in the second half of RHOP Season 8
During a recent episode of RHOP, Wendy and Nneka spoke about their current feud, describing it as difficult to get through since they should be like “sisters.” However, from Wendy’s point of view, Nneka may have crossed a boundary they can’t move on from. “She would’ve been better off … calling my mom the B word,” Wendy said. “That’s how charged the accusations and the language she is using are.”
During Wendy’s most recent Watch What Happens Live appearance, the political commentator and mom of three expressed her disappointment with the current state of her relationship with Nneka. “Well, I think it’s really unfortunate,” she said.
And based on the Season 8 midseason trailer, it doesn’t look like their problems get any better. “You do not want peace,” Wendy told Nneka before storming out of a sit-down dinner. “No, you don’t want peace,” Nneka argued back.
In another clip from the sneak peek, Wendy clashed with the newbie again, saying, “If you want to go low, then let’s go to hell!”
The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 8 returns January 7, at 8/7c on Bravo.
TELL US — WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE NEWS ABOUT THE SHRINE? ARE THE CAST BEING RIDICULOUS?
