Reality competition series The Traitors has become a real hit on Peacock, and it brings lots of stars and celebrities each season to participate as contestants. There's been talents from Big Brother, Bachelor Nation, Dancing With the Stars, and more. Some Real Housewives cast members from the various shows in the franchise have also participated. One of those Housewives was asked to come on season 4, but ended up turning it down.
The Real Housewives of Atlanta star and Glee alum NeNe Leakes was supposed to be one of the cast members competing in The Traitors season 4, which is expected to premiere in 2026 on Peacock. However, the actress who played Roz Washington on the teen musical comedy-drama on Fox had to turn down participating in the reality series. And now we know why.
Speaking on the Humble Brag with Crystal and Cynthia podcast, she revealed that she was asked to join and ultimately said no because of real-life responsibilities when it came to her son's health. 22-year-old Brent suffered a stroke and needed a heart transplant. He's been in the hospital since May, she revealed, and is still under the care of medical staff. Here's what she said about the offer, per Deadline:
“I’m so glad I said no... I kept thinking maybe Brent would be much better [by June]. My fear was committing and then having to go back to them and say, I can’t do it. So that was never going to work. Brent was very sick. It was no way I could have committed to it. And I believe you have to go out of the country [to film the show].”
It indeed is filmed outside of the country, at Ardross Castle in Scotland to be exact. Leakes went on to say she was really interested in joining The Traitors season 4 and was excited about the prospect of the competition. Though of course, she had to put her son first and be there for him during his health issues and recovery. We certainly can't blame her for that and obviously she did the right thing.
The fourth season cast includes Leakes' former Atlanta co-star Porsha Williams, DWTS' Mark Ballas, Tiffany Mitchell from Big Brother 23, Colton Underwood from The Bachelorette season 14 and The Bachelor season 23, and more. The reality competition series has already been renewed for a season 5.
We're wishing Leakes' son a speedy recovery. And then perhaps since there is another season, the Glee alum still has a chance to be a part of the The Traitors. I'd love to see that! I think she would do great. On the teen drama, her character Roz Washington was the coach of the Cheerios and Synchronized Swimming team at the school. The actress guest starred on and off from seasons 3 to 6. Even if she wasn't a main cast member, she's still one of the characters we remember most from the show!
The Traitors season 4 premieres in 2026 on Peacock.
More Fox news from GeekSided: