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ATLANTA — State Farm Arena was rocking Thursday night as the Atlanta Hawks pulled out a heart-stopping 109-108 win over the New York Knicks in Game 3 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.
With the victory, the sixth-seeded Hawks seized a 2-1 lead over the higher-seeded Knicks and sent a clear message: this series is far from over.
Hawks Vs. Knicks Game 3: Atlanta Does it Again
The game lived up to the playoff hype, featuring big leads, momentum swings, and a dramatic finish worthy of a Game 7.
Atlanta jumped out strong, building a double-digit advantage that they largely maintained until a late Knicks surge. But clutch execution and defense carried the day for the Hawks.
Taylor Rooks gives back to hometown with medical debt relief
Metro Atlanta native Taylor Rooks couldn’t hide her excitement after the win.
Playoff CJ McCollum Delivers Again
Veteran guard CJ McCollum, aka, “Playoff CJ,” acquired at the trade deadline, once again proved why he’s a nightmare for New York.
He finished with 23 points, including the go-ahead midrange jumper with 12.5 seconds left that gave Atlanta a 109-108 lead. McCollum shook his defender with crisp dribbles and stepped back for his signature shot over Josh Hart.
It was déjà vu from Game 2, where McCollum also starred in a comeback win.
The 34-year-old showed poise under pressure, bouncing back from a blocked layup moments earlier that helped set up Jalen Brunson’s three-point play.
Kuminga and Johnson Shine Bright
Jonathan Kuminga, another key trade acquisition from the Warriors, exploded for 21 points off the bench, adding crucial energy and a game-sealing steal in the final seconds. He went 4-for-4 early and provided the lift the
Hawks needed to stretch their lead.
Jalen Johnson delivered a near triple-double with 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists, controlling the flow and making key plays late. His all-around dominance helped Atlanta weather the Knicks’ rally.
Defensive Masterclass Seals It
The Hawks’ perimeter defense, led by Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, harassed the Knicks all night, holding them to 43% shooting overall.On the final possession, with New York trailing by one, the Hawks swarmed Jalen Brunson. Onyeka Okongwu and Kuminga converged, forcing a turnover as the ball bounced loose. Kuminga poked it away, and the clock ran out on a stunned Knicks squad.
Knicks’ Perspective
Jalen Brunson led New York with 26 points, while Karl-Anthony Towns added 21 and OG Anunoby contributed 29. Miles McBride provided a spark off the bench with 15 points, including several threes. However, New York struggled with turnovers and couldn’t convert in crunch time despite a late push that briefly gave them the lead.Coach Mike Brown acknowledged the Hawks’ resilience: “It’s a seven-game series for a reason. Stuff’s gonna happen.”
What’s Next?
The series shifts to Game 4 on Saturday, April 25, back at State Farm Arena (6 p.m. ET). The Hawks will look to build on their home dominance and push the favored Knicks to the brink, while New York must find answers to Atlanta’s balanced attack and stingy defense.Hawks fans, this team is playing with heart and belief. Let’s keep the State Farm energy electric — Atlanta is buzzing!
Stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com for full box scores, highlights, and postgame reaction.
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Giant pandas incoming! Zoo Atlanta announced on Thursday, April 23, that it has initiated a new International Cooperative Research Agreement on Giant Panda Conservation with the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
This partnership paves the way for the arrival of two new giant pandas: male Ping Ping and female Fu Shuang.
Two New Giant Pandas Coming to Zoo Atlanta
Both pandas were born at the renowned Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in China. Ping Ping was born on March 17, 2020, and Fu Shuang on October 18, 2020.
A New Chapter After a Successful Legacy
This exciting development follows the conclusion of Zoo Atlanta’s original giant panda agreement with China, which ran from 1999 to 2024.
During that 25-year partnership, the zoo’s beloved pair, Lun Lun and Yang Yang, welcomed seven offspring between 2006 and 2016—including two sets of twins.
In October 2024, Lun Lun, Yang Yang, and their two youngest offspring, Ya Lun and Xi Lun, returned to the Chengdu Research Base. Their five older offspring also reside there.
The program produced significant advancements in panda care, breeding, and research, strengthening global conservation efforts.
“Zoo Atlanta is delighted and honored to yet again be trusted as stewards of this treasured species and to partner with the China Wildlife Conservation Association on the continued conservation and research efforts that are the most important outcomes of this cooperation,” said Raymond B. King, President and CEO of Zoo Atlanta. “We can’t wait to meet Ping Ping and Fu Shuang and to welcome our Members, guests, city, and community back to the wonder and joy of giant pandas.”
Broader Conservation Impact
The new agreement underscores ongoing international collaboration. China has made substantial investments in giant panda conservation, establishing 67 reserves and creating the Giant Panda National Park in 2021 to enhance habitat connectivity.
As a result, 72% of wild giant pandas—classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN—receive strict protection.
Zoo Atlanta’s past contributions have supported habitat restoration, reserve management, and ranger programs, reflecting a shared commitment to the species’ long-term survival.
What’s Next?
Zoo Atlanta will share additional details about Ping Ping and Fu Shuang’s arrival timeline, their acclimation process, and public debut in the coming months.
Panda enthusiasts in Atlanta can look forward to welcoming these new ambassadors of conservation to the zoo.
This return marks a joyful milestone for Zoo Atlanta and the broader community, reigniting excitement around one of the world’s most beloved animals while advancing critical conservation work. Stay tuned for updates as preparations unfold!
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ATLANTA — The Atlanta Film Festival continues to bring out the big guns this week. On Friday, April 24, 2026, hip-hop icon and multifaceted artist RZA will grace the Tara Theatre in Atlanta for a special screening of his directorial film One Spoon of Chocolate.
The event marks a significant moment for the Wu-Tang Clan founder, who continues to expand his influence across music, film, and culture.
RZA, recently announced as a 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee alongside his Wu-Tang Clan brothers, is also an Emmy-nominated writer, producer, and director.
His appearance at the Atlanta Film Festival (ATLFF) event underscores his enduring legacy as a groundbreaking creative force.
Attendees can expect RZA to walk the red carpet prior to the screening, where he will participate in interviews with media.
Following the film, the evening will feature a Q&A session with the director himself, offering audiences rare insights into his creative process and vision for One Spoon of Chocolate.
The night will culminate in a special honor: RZA will receive ATLFF’s Originator Award, which recognizes his pioneering contributions to music, film, and broader cultural impact.
From co-founding one of the most influential hip-hop groups in history to scoring films, directing, and pushing artistic boundaries, RZA has consistently redefined what it means to be a modern Renaissance artist.
The Tara Theatre screening provides Atlanta audiences with a unique opportunity to experience RZA’s directorial work on the big screen while celebrating a career that has influenced generations.
Fans of Wu-Tang Clan, cinephiles, and those inspired by bold storytelling are encouraged to attend what promises to be a memorable evening.
Tickets and further event details are available through the Atlanta Film Festival. This event arrives at a pivotal time for RZA, as anticipation builds around the Wu-Tang Clan’s upcoming Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction and his continued work in Hollywood.
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ATLANTA, GA (April 20, 2026) — Grand Slam champion, Olympian, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Sloane Stephens has officially joined INTENNSE™ as a Pulse Partner for the upcoming 2026 season, adding one of tennis’s most accomplished and respected figures to the league’s ownership group.
As a Pulse Partner, Stephens will take on an active advisory and ambassadorial role with the Rips, contributing to the team’s identity, culture, and strategic direction.
Her involvement marks another significant step in INTENNSE’s efforts to blend elite on-court competition with a dynamic, personality-driven team model that emphasizes strategy, energy, and fan engagement.
Stephens brings more than a decade of experience at the pinnacle of professional tennis. A former world No. 3 and US Open champion, she has built a career marked by resilience, consistency on the sport’s biggest stages, and a reputation as a thoughtful leader and advocate. Beyond her playing achievements, Stephens is widely recognized for her commitment to mentoring the next generation of athletes through the Sloane Stephens Foundation, which supports young players navigating the unique challenges of life on and off the tour.
Her philosophy aligns closely with INTENNSE’s mission to create new pathways for athletes to grow, compete, and thrive as complete individuals.
The league’s focus on player well-being, mental health, personal development, and long-term purpose beyond the court resonates deeply with Stephens’ own values and work.
“Sloane brings championship experience, professionalism, and a real understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” said INTENNSE CEO Charles Allen. “She cares deeply about the future of tennis, about mentoring younger players, and about the mental health of athletes. Values that align with what we are building at INTENNSE.”
Stephens expressed similar enthusiasm about the opportunity.
“I’m so excited to join INTENNSE as a Pulse Partner,” she said. “The league brings together people who truly love tennis and are committed to growing the sport in a fresh, engaging way. I am so inspired by the league’s energy, the players’ competitive spirit, and leadership’s dedication to creating meaningful impact for the players to advance and prioritize mental wellness — all values we both deeply share.”
The addition of Stephens further bolsters INTENNSE’s ownership group, which already features a diverse roster of tennis, sports, and entertainment personalities united by a shared goal of accelerating the sport’s evolution.
As the league prepares for its 2026 season, the emphasis remains on building strong team cultures, delivering distinctive fan experiences, and empowering athletes through ownership stakes, leadership roles, and holistic support systems.
With experienced players and forward-thinking leaders at the helm, INTENNSE continues to position itself as a bold new chapter in professional tennis — one where competition, community, and personal growth intersect. Sloane Stephens’ involvement signals strong momentum for that vision heading into the new season.
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A three-year drought doesn’t sound like much for some teams, but for the Atlanta Hawks, it’s felt like an eternity.
On Thursday night, the Hawks face the New York Knicks in a game 3 showdown for the lead in their best-of-seven playoff matchup.
“That’s something you always want to do when you’re on the road in your first two games; you always try to get one,” Hawks star forward Jalen Johnson said, referring to the Hawks’ game two win at Madison Square Garden. “Coming back home, knowing you’re playing in front of the fans and playing in an arena you’re comfortable in, it’s exciting.”
Atlanta Hawks host playoff game for first time in 2023
Hawks guard CJ McCollum, “It’s going to be a great environment. I’m sure the city’’ be excited. We’re excited to be home and … looking forward to competing against a good team at home.”
McCollum played the spoiler on Monday night, scoring 32 points to help the Hawks rally for a stunning 107-106 victory that tied the Eastern Conference first-round series at one game apiece.
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Atlanta Falcons defensive end James Pearce Jr. appears set to avoid a criminal conviction related to his February 2026 arrest, according to breaking reports.
The 22-year-old pass rusher is expected to have all pending charges dismissed if he successfully completes a Florida state program involving therapy and six months of staying out of legal trouble.
The victim in the case, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, and local police have reportedly agreed to the resolution, per Falcons beat reporter Andy Slater and attorney Yale Sanford.
The news, shared widely on social media Thursday afternoon, marks a major development in a case that has drawn intense scrutiny since Pearce’s arrest on Feb. 7 in Doral, Florida.
At the time, police alleged that Pearce—driving a Lamborghini SUV—followed his ex-girlfriend Jackson, attempted to enter her vehicle at a stop, and then intentionally rammed her car multiple times as she tried to reach the Doral Police Department for safety.
Officers said Pearce struck a police vehicle while attempting to flee and resisted arrest. Jackson later told authorities she feared for her life, detailing prior threats, verbal and physical abuse, and obsessive behavior during their three-year relationship. She was granted a temporary protective order shortly after the incident.1617
Initially, Pearce faced five felony charges, including two counts of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon (using his vehicle), aggravated stalking, fleeing and eluding police, and aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer.
Prosecutors later dropped the battery-on-officer count after reviewing body-camera footage and reduced the stalking charge to a misdemeanor, leaving him with three felonies and one misdemeanor.
A status hearing and docket sounding had been scheduled for late April, with a potential trial looming in early May.
The proposed resolution—a pretrial diversion-style program common in Florida for eligible first-time offenders—would require Pearce to undergo therapy and demonstrate good behavior for six months.
Upon successful completion, all charges would be dismissed, leaving him without a conviction on his record. Attorney Yale Sanford, representing Pearce, confirmed the victim’s and police department’s agreement to the terms.
Pearce, a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of the University of Georgia (or similar program based on his rookie impact), emerged as one of the league’s brightest young pass rushers last season. He led the Falcons with 10.5 sacks and was a finalist for Defensive Rookie of the Year.
However, he has not participated in the team’s voluntary offseason workouts while the legal matter remained unresolved, as confirmed by head coach Kevin Stefanski earlier in April.
The Falcons organization has not yet issued an official statement on Thursday’s update. NFL teams routinely monitor legal proceedings involving players under the league’s personal conduct policy, which could still impose its own discipline separate from the criminal case.
Public reaction to the potential dismissal has been swift and polarized on social media.
While some fans expressed relief that a key defensive piece could return to the field without further disruption, others voiced strong criticism, arguing the outcome reflects unequal treatment for high-profile athletes compared to ordinary citizens facing similar domestic violence or assault allegations.
Comments ranged from praise for Pearce’s legal team to concerns about accountability in high-stakes relationships involving professional athletes.
This resolution, if finalized, would allow Pearce to focus fully on football ahead of the 2026 season. The Falcons, coming off a competitive 2025 campaign, are banking on his continued development as a cornerstone of their pass rush.
For Jackson, the WNBA standout with the Los Angeles Sparks, the agreement reportedly provides closure while prioritizing her safety through the agreed-upon conditions.
As details continue to emerge, the case underscores ongoing conversations in sports about domestic violence, athlete accountability, and the role of diversion programs in the justice system.
Pearce’s legal team maintains his innocence throughout the proceedings, and the outcome remains contingent on his full compliance with the program’s terms. Further updates are expected as the case progresses through the Miami-Dade court system in the coming weeks.
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If you stepped outside in metro Atlanta on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, you likely noticed it: a strange haze blanketing the skyline, a faint but unmistakable smell of burning wood hanging in the air, and reduced visibility even on what should have been a clear spring day.
The culprit isn’t local pollution or fog—it’s smoke drifting hundreds of miles north from raging wildfires in south Georgia.
Is There Smoke in Atlanta Today?
Georgia is in the grip of severe drought, with more than 98% of the state under moderate to exceptional drought conditions.
Dry vegetation, low humidity, and windy weather have turned the region into a tinderbox. In just three days, nearly 100 fires ignited across south Georgia.
The largest and most destructive is the Clinch County Fire (also known as the Pineland Road Fire) near the Okefenokee Swamp, roughly 10 miles north of the Georgia-Florida line. As of April 22, it had scorched more than 16,000 acres and was only about 10% contained.
The Fires Burning in South Georgia
Additional fires in the area have burned thousands more acres, forcing evacuations, school closures, and road shutdowns in affected counties.
Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency for more than 90 counties in south Georgia, mobilizing the Georgia Forestry Commission and emergency responders.
Similar blazes in northern Florida’s Big Bend region are also contributing to the regional smoke plume.
How Smoke Travels Hundreds of Miles to Atlanta
Wildfire smoke doesn’t stay put. Fine particles (PM2.5) and gases rise into the atmosphere and get carried by prevailing winds. In this case, a high-pressure system over the western Atlantic is driving southeasterly winds at lower levels, creating a “conveyor belt” that slowly pushes smoke northward.
Upper-level winds move west to east, helping spread the plume across the region. Southwest winds have limited the worst of the influx into metro Atlanta, but enough smoke has still arrived to create visible haze and that telltale burning odor.
The smoke has reached as far as Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, where it has reduced visibility for travelers. Conditions are even more pronounced in middle and south Georgia.YLbrV“LARGE”
Meteorologists expect hazy, smoky skies to persist through at least Friday, April 25.
A better chance for relief arrives Saturday when scattered rain is forecast to help wash the smoke out of the air and dampen fire danger—though the Clinch County Fire will likely continue burning until more significant rainfall or containment efforts succeed.
Air Quality and Health Concerns
Wildfire smoke contains a mix of fine particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and toxic chemicals that can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Even moderate levels can trigger coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and headaches.
People in sensitive groups—children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, diabetes, or chronic conditions—are at higher risk.
Metro Atlanta is currently under Code Yellow (moderate) air quality conditions, with some pockets reaching unhealthy levels for sensitive groups.
Air quality is significantly worse closer to the fires. Check real-time conditions at AirNow.gov or local forecasts before heading outdoors.
Safety Tips: Protecting Yourself and Your Family from Smoke Inhalation
Here’s how to stay safe while the smoke lingers:
- Stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows and doors tightly closed. If you have central air or heat, set it to “recirculate” mode and change or clean filters regularly to avoid pulling in outdoor smoke.
- Create a “clean room.” Pick one room in your home (ideally a bedroom), close it off from the rest of the house, and run a portable air cleaner or a DIY box-fan filter (MERV 13 or higher). Run it on high when you’re in the room. Never leave a box-fan filter unattended.
- Limit outdoor activity. Avoid strenuous exercise, yard work, or prolonged time outside when it looks or smells smoky. If you must go out, shorten your time and take frequent breaks indoors.
- Wear proper protection. If you have to be outside, use a NIOSH-approved N95 or P100 respirator that fits snugly against your face. Cloth masks, surgical masks, or bandanas do not provide adequate protection against fine smoke particles.
- Monitor symptoms. Watch for coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or irritated eyes. Have rescue inhalers or medications ready if you have respiratory conditions. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
- Protect vulnerable groups and pets. Children and pets should stay inside. Keep pets indoors and provide fresh water. Consider bringing sensitive family members to a community building or public space with better air filtration if your home becomes too smoky.
- Avoid adding to indoor pollution. Don’t burn candles, use gas stoves, or smoke tobacco indoors. Vacuum with a HEPA filter if needed, but skip sweeping or dusting that could stir up particles.
These steps come straight from CDC and EPA guidance for wildfire smoke events and can dramatically reduce your exposure.
Looking Ahead
Firefighters continue battling the flames under challenging drought conditions, while state officials urge residents in fire-prone areas to heed burn bans and evacuation orders.
For the rest of us in metro Atlanta, the haze is an unwelcome reminder of how interconnected our region’s air really is.
Stay informed via local news, the Georgia Forestry Commission, or AirNow.gov. With rain on the horizon, clearer skies—and safer breathing—should return soon. In the meantime, take simple precautions and look out for neighbors who may need extra help.
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ATLANTA — Grocery shoppers in the Atlanta area can now sink their teeth into a smoky new favorite: Publix new brisket subs.
The popular grocery chain has rolled out a lineup of brisket-inspired deli items, including three new Pub Subs and one stacked sandwich, marking what the company calls “a new era of flavor” at the deli counter.
Publix New Brisket Subs Absolutely Slap
Announced earlier this month, the brisket options feature tender, hickory-smoked beef brisket seasoned with Texas-inspired spices and smoked low and slow over real hardwood.
Each item includes a signature Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce that adds a perfect balance of tangy sweetness and mild heat.
Publix New Brisket Subs: Here’s what Atlanta customers can order:
- Publix Southern-Style Brisket Sub: Described as the ultimate comfort food, this sub piles eight ounces of smoked brisket on a fresh sub roll with Publix cheddar cheese, dill pickles, crispy fried onions, and that Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce. It’s a Southern twist perfect for fans of classic barbecue flavors.35
- Publix Spicy Brisket Sub: For those who like a kick, this one layers the brisket with Boar’s Head Bold 3-Pepper Colby Jack cheese, sliced jalapeños, crispy Publix fried onions, and the Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce on a sub roll. Expect bold heat and satisfying crunch.
- Publix Brisket, Lettuce and Tomato Sub: A fresher, more classic take that pairs the smoky brisket with crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and the Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce. It’s a lighter option that still delivers on barbecue satisfaction.
- Publix Stacked Brisket and Brioche Sandwich: This hearty sandwich features a full half-pound of tender smoked brisket stacked high on a soft, buttery brioche roll and drizzled with Sweet & Spicy BBQ sauce. It’s the richest, most indulgent option in the new lineup.
The brisket itself comes from a Texas-based supplier and is pre-cooked, thawed, and finished in-store.
Whole subs typically run around $15–16 (prices vary slightly by location and any current promotions), while the sandwich starts a bit higher. Half subs are also available, and customers can order online via the Publix app or website for quick in-store pickup at Atlanta-area locations.Local reaction has been mixed but excited, with some Atlanta barbecue lovers eager to try grocery-store brisket done Publix-style, while others are curious to see how it stacks up against traditional smoked meats from the city’s renowned pitmasters.
Early online chatter suggests the Southern-Style and Spicy versions are generating the most buzz.
Publix, which operates dozens of stores across metro Atlanta, says the new items are available now at participating deli counters.
Whether you’re grabbing a quick lunch after work, feeding the family, or tailgating on a weekend, these brisket creations offer a hearty, flavorful addition to the chain’s famous Pub Sub lineup.
Have you tried the new brisket subs yet? Head to your nearest Publix deli and let us know which one is your favorite in the comments. For the latest Atlanta food news and grocery updates, stay tuned to AtlantaFi.com.
Prices and availability may vary by store. Check your local Publix for details and current promotions.
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Lee Najjar, the wealthy Atlanta real estate investor best known to Real Housewives of Atlanta fans as Kim Zolciak-Biermann’s mysterious benefactor “Big Poppa,” has passed away at the age of 68.
He died on Saturday, April 18, 2026, with the news confirmed by his daughter, Katelin Najjar, through Instagram Stories featuring family tributes.
Najjar’s off-camera presence loomed large over the early seasons of RHOA, becoming one of the franchise’s most enduring scandals and symbols of the luxury, secrecy, and drama that defined Bravo’s breakout Atlanta series.
The Man Behind the Money
A Puerto Rican-born real estate mogul with significant holdings in Atlanta, Najjar was already a successful (and at times controversial) figure in the city’s property scene before reality TV fame found him.
Fans first heard whispers of “Big Poppa” in Season 1 as Kim Zolciak described a generous, older man funding her lavish lifestyle—designer clothes, luxury cars, a sprawling home, and more—while she navigated single motherhood and the Housewives spotlight.
Kim kept his identity under wraps on camera, referring to him only by the affectionate (and meme-worthy) nickname.
The secrecy fueled endless speculation among viewers and castmates alike. Nene Leakes famously slipped up and mentioned “Lee” on more than one occasion, adding fuel to the fire.
When details eventually emerged, the story proved even juicier: Najjar was married to his wife, Kimberly Najjar, during much of his relationship with Kim.
The pair were reportedly engaged at one point, with Kim flashing a massive diamond ring on Season 2, but the romance was on-again, off-again and ultimately ended by 2009. Kim later described him as “the love of my life” but said it was time to move on.
A Storyline That Defined Early RHOA
Big Poppa embodied the aspirational-yet-messy glamour of early Housewives: private jets, high-end shopping sprees, and the blurred lines between genuine romance and financial support.
The storyline highlighted themes of secrecy, infidelity rumors, and the price of the luxe life many Housewives pursued.
Najjar largely stayed out of the public eye, but his notoriety peaked again in 2012 when a mugshot surfaced after his arrest related to a court date and financial matters—another tabloid moment that cemented his place in Bravo lore.
Even years later, at BravoCon panels and in fan discussions, the mention of “Big Poppa” still elicits laughs, gasps, and nostalgia for the wilder, less filtered days of RHOA.
Kim herself has reflected on the relationship with a mix of fondness and finality, noting in later interviews that she hadn’t spoken to him in years after finding lasting love (and marriage, though later divorced) with Kroy Biermann.
Tributes and Legacy
Family members, including daughter Katelin, have shared heartfelt tributes remembering Najjar as a devoted father and larger-than-life personality.
Kim Zolciak has not yet publicly commented as of the latest reports, but fans have flooded social media with memories of the iconic storyline.
At the time of his death, reports placed Najjar’s net worth in the millions from his real estate ventures, a far cry from the $50 million figures sometimes floated in earlier tabloid coverage but still reflective of a successful career in Atlanta’s booming (and occasionally busting) property market.
Lee Najjar may have preferred the shadows during his time in the Housewives universe, but his larger-than-life persona left an indelible mark.
For a generation of Bravo fans, “Big Poppa” wasn’t just a sugar daddy reference—it was a shorthand for the scandalous, over-the-top drama that made early RHOA appointment television.
Rest in peace to a name that will forever live in Real Housewives infamy.
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Atlanta’s own Real Housewives of Atlanta star Drew Sidora is addressing the backlash after a series of comments posted from her social media accounts sparked major fan outrage.
On Wednesday, April 22, the RHOA cast member shared a lengthy statement on her Instagram, complete with a glowing photo of herself overlooking the Atlanta skyline and the signature peach emoji that has become synonymous with the Bravo hit.
Drew Sidora Shade or Not? RHOA Star Speaks Out Amid Divorce
In the post, which has since been widely shared by reality TV bloggers, Sidora, who is navigating a divorce, addresses the controversy head-on while navigating her very public divorce.
Here is Drew’s full statement:
“No shade, truly. I know how quickly things can get twisted in the world of social media, especially during a time like this in my life.
As I navigate this transition and move through my divorce, I want to be very clear, I have no desire to tear down or attack another woman. That’s simply not who I am, and it’s not the energy I’m moving in.
That said, I do take full accountability for what’s been posted from my page. Some comments were made by a team member who had access and acted independently in ways that don’t reflect me or my values. That individual is no longer part of my team, but out of respect for the positive contributions they’ve made in the past, I won’t be publicly shaming them.
I’ve reached out privately to those affected because I believe certain conversations belong in real, respectful spaces, not just online.
If you truly know me, you know where to find me. If not.. just sit back and enjoy the show. “
The message comes after weeks of speculation about shade allegedly thrown from Sidora’s accounts toward fellow Housewives — including reported jabs at co-star Kelli’s business ventures.
Fans were quick to react, with many questioning the “team member” explanation and referencing past clips where Drew herself appeared to celebrate others’ setbacks.
One fan replied to the viral post: “No shade, Drew. That sounds like one lengthy word salad lie.” Another added, “Meanwhile a month ago Drew herself posted a video making fun of Kelli’s business failure.”
Despite the skepticism, Sidora is urging fans to focus on the upcoming season and the upcoming reunion, where tensions are expected to boil over.
This isn’t the first time Atlanta’s Housewives have found themselves in hot water over social media. With filming wrapped and the new season on the horizon, insiders say the drama is only just getting started.
Stay locked on ATL Reality TV News for the latest on RHOA — because in Atlanta, the tea is always brewing.
What do you think — is Drew keeping it real or just damage control? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
