I just had a huge epiphany about #RHOA. Specifically Kenya Moore.

I wasn’t going to share it but I feel like it’s interesting when you unpack it.

When Kenya first joined the show she was very kooky and wild. I believe she came in with a game plan to to be a wild child persona. I don’t think we saw much of the real Kenya Moore until deeper in to her first szn and even then it was rare.

This was because I believe Kenya, who undeniably is a smart/BEAUTIFUL woman, quickly realized her greatest likely path to long success on RHOA was to not only be a Villain character but to lean into it HARD. She is an actress so she always knows exactly what to be dramatic AF.

It’s why her antics are over the top. I think she analyzed what she perceived to be weaknesses in her cast members & intentionally poked at them in ways she knew would have a large likelihood of generating (tv worthy) reactions. Big reaction means big tv moment. #JobSecurity

It’s truly puppet mastering when you think about it but also kind of sadistic in a way. What’s interesting though is that I often hear it reported that she is one of the NICEST people ever outside of the show. This is because she’s built RHOA Kenya as a character not a person.

It’s also of note to me that Kenya could definitely peep those she could not/should not play with like that or those that have the ability to see though her manufactured character/facade.

Most specifically: Kandi & Nene.

With Kandi, I think she just realize that Kandi is a little too real and beloved and her safest bet was/is to always stay on Kandi’s good side. It’s why her energy is never guns blazing (see what I did there? ) towards Kandi like it is with everyone else.

With Nene, She knew Nene was the Queen of the show and therefore a smart person to be in conflict with because it lends to her fueling drama with the fan favorite ie the perfect Villain position to be in.(She has since recycled this formula with Porsha.)

I think it wasn’t long after Kenya joined that Nene realized the Character role Kenya was actively trying to create herself to be. It’s why so often it was clear NeNe refused to get in the mud with her unless necessary because Kenya was doing it all for sport, strategically.

Other ppl like Phaedra, Porsha (early on), Shereé, & Kim Z didn’t have the skillset needed to downright doge Kenya’s provocations and often got down and dirty with her which only gave her EXACTLY what she wanted. It was gasoline to her villainess fire.

Nene shut Kenya down countless times if not out right refused to engage or give Kenya the moments she was begging for. She didn’t always succeed at this but there was definitely times where that was her intent. Too bad Kenya always knew how to hit until she found a sore spot tho.

Even though Nene often did not want to engage with Kenya she has always said that Kenya is great for the show which, hate it or love it, is pretty true.

The dynamic Nene had for Kenya is now resurfacing with Porsha & Kenya with all the antagonizing she did of P this szn. Porsha has grown up though and opted this szn to mostly go the Nene route and not take Kenya’s bait.

I will say I think Kenya initially counted Porsha out and never saw her as much of a legitimate threat. Just a chew toy. That is until Porsha laid them hands and unexpectedly started to be more well liked by fans. Porsha bested her and tbh I feel Kenya STILL is not over it.

As far as authenticity, we do get glimpses of the real Kenya but I truly believe overall, the real life Kenya has never and may never be fully shown to the public on RHOA. I think the person we see on the show is a hyper amplified devious side of her but only 15% of her totality.

I think it also speaks to why she left the show to have her baby and get married because that was REAL for her and she knew she would have to seriously let down some walls and expose her authentic side with her husband. It’s hard to be puppet master when folks can peek back stage

I think the realist her came out when you see her and Mark. It was no doubt baffling to see the contrast between Married her and RHOA mode her. It’s also why the stress of their marital woes brought out a more ruthless side of her in last szn and this szn.

-Coming at Cynthia about the wine

-Nearly ruining Cynthia’s engagement

-cookie lady drama/ See you next Tuesday moment

- stripper gate etc, etc, etc

At the end of the day she knows the Kenya Moore character is to be a glamorous villain so she will always lean into that on RHOA no matter what because it’s where she is most notable. I’m sure her challenging upbringing likely lead to her taking on this persona.

I used to always dislike her profusely but now I realize what I feel for her is pity. How hard must it be to craft a largely hated persona to thrive professionally & financially?

This is not an unheard of dynamic but it is an unfortunate one. I hope the real her finds peace.