‘RHONY’ Reveals Its Newest Star: Get to Know Eboni K. Williams

Samantha Bergeson October 8, 2020, 2:30 pm

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Welcome to the Big Apple! Bravo announced Thursday, October 8, that attorney and television host Eboni K. Williams is set to make her Real Housewives debut on Season 13 of Real Housewives of New York.

Williams, 37, will join returning cast members Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Leah McSweeney, and Sonja Morgan. The North Carolina native is also the first Black cast member for RHONY.

“NYC is filled with successful and dynamic Black women,” Williams said in an official statement. “I’m excited to join this legendary franchise as the first Black housewife. Can’t wait to share a slice of life in this city that hasn’t been seen before.”

Williams also promised to bring the drama while staying true to herself onscreen. “Anyone who’s aware of my world knows I don’t hold back,” she continued. “I’m going to keep it just as real here as I do everywhere else.”

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37. I’m so glad to see your ass!! ⁣ ⁣ The past year has tested and gifted me in ways that I couldn’t even conceive of before. ⁣ ⁣ For starters, I started my REVOLT TV journey exactly a year ago with my premiere episode of #SOTC 🙌🏾. Truly loved my job for the first time in a long time. ⁣ ⁣ Then I suffered a moderate case of coronavirus in April (thank God I didn’t have to be hospitalized 🙏🏾). But I was sick, and it was scary. For the first time in my life, I REALLY contemplated my own mortality. Shit hits different when you legit think you might be in your last days. ⁣ ⁣ Happiness is now my priority. And for the first time, I don’t feel guilty about it. ⁣ Y’all know I’m driven by my God-given purpose: to make this world better for others, especially those that look like me. ⁣ I work non-stop. And it’s been a great distraction to keep me busy enough to not pay that much attention to…me. ⁣ ⁣ How do I really feel? Am I really happy? And if I’m not, what am I prepared to give up in order to claim my happiness?? ⁣ ⁣ Anything you don’t change, you choose. Being sick and then fully recovering, forced clarity around some of my life choices. Painful & necessary clarity. And I’m grateful for it. #GrowingPains⁣ ⁣ Then, I got a call from Diddy’s team inviting me to host and executive produce a new show for and by Black people. Look at God ya’ll. As the world was at a standstill, I was offered the opportunity to help create the show of my dreams. #RevoltBlackNews⁣ ⁣ Mr. Combs & RevoltTV, you have no idea how you in a way, you saved me this year. I’m forever grateful. ⁣ ⁣ So, 37. I’m literally in pursuit of happiness this year. And I’m excited about. I’ve earned it. This year I’m paying extra close attention to how I FEEL. ⁣ ⁣ In every relationship and in every transaction, I must feel two things in order to proceed: Joy & Safety. Do I feel safe with you? Do I feel protected in this business agreement? Do I enjoy the work? Do I enjoy YOU?? ⁣ ⁣ Cheers to another year to do what I love alongside the people I love ❤️🥂God Bless⁣ @revolttv @diddy

A post shared by Eboni K. Williams (@ebonikwilliams) on Sep 9, 2020 at 9:45am PDT

The raven-haired beauty currently hosts and executive produces Revolt Black News. Before entering the TV world, Williams worked as an attorney specializing in family law and civil litigation. She released a book in 2017 titled Pretty Powerful: Appearance, Substance & Success.

Williams’ casting follows Dorinda Medley‘s recent departure from the franchise, as well as Tinsley Mortimer’s mid-season exit.

Dorinda Medley Confirms 'RHONY' Exit Was Not a Mutual Decision

In August, RHONY star Leah McSweeney called on Bravo to shake up the series to reflect real-life New York. “I hope that there’s not only diversity of race but an even deeper diversity of where someone lives or what their interests are,” McSweeney told Page Six. “I hope that there’s just more diversity all across the board because New Yorkers are not a monolith.”

It is rumored that McSweeney’s friend, actress and motivational speaker Bershan Shaw, may also appear on Season 13. The cast is currently filming in New York, so fans will have to wait until 2021 to watch and find out!