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TMZ Exclusive Video Shows RHOA Star Confident Amid $6,000 Monthly Income Disclosure in Chapter 11 Filing
In a striking display of resilience, The Real Housewives of Atlanta (RHOA) star and Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole is refusing to let public scrutiny of her finances get her down.
TMZ dropped an exclusive street interview on June 27, 2026, capturing the entrepreneur in New York City, where she appeared relaxed, smiling, and optimistic despite court documents revealing her listed monthly income as just $6,000 during her ongoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.
Pinky Cole Unfazed by Bankruptcy
The video, shared via TMZ’s official account, shows Cole in a stylish black halter dress with short blonde hair, gesturing animatedly and exuding confidence as she addresses questions about her “dire financial situation.”
READ: Atlanta restaurateur Pinky Cole faces bankruptcy
According to TMZ, she emphasized that her flagship business, Slutty Vegan, is performing strongly and that she is actively turning it into a franchise operation. She reportedly offered a candid perspective on her circumstances, noting variations in financial hardship with a quip along the lines of “my broke and your broke is a different kind of broke.”
The Financial Details from Court Filings
Earlier in June 2026, TMZ obtained and reported on legal documents from Cole’s Chapter 11 case, filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. In a proposed plan of reorganization, she listed her monthly income at $6,000.
Read: Judge moves to seize Punky Cole’s home in bankruptcy
The accompanying budget breakdown paints a picture of tight personal finances:
- $200 on children’s expenses
- $800 on groceries
- $80 on gas
- $300 on medical costs
- $1,574 in Georgia state taxes
- $1,343 in federal taxes
This leaves roughly $1,500 per month in disposable income after essential outlays.
Cole originally filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in February 2026 to reorganize significant debts. Initial filings showed approximately $1.4 million in liabilities, including a $1.2 million obligation to the U.S. Small Business Administration (tied to a COVID-era loan) and about $192,000 owed to the Georgia Department of Revenue in taxes. Later amendments increased the reported total debt, with some updates citing figures approaching or exceeding $4 million as more creditors were detailed.
Chapter 11 bankruptcy allows debtors to restructure obligations while continuing business operations — a strategic move often used by entrepreneurs facing temporary setbacks rather than a sign of total collapse.
Who Is Pinky Cole?
Photo credit: Pinky Cole / Facebook Aisha “Pinky” Cole built Slutty Vegan into a cult-favorite plant-based fast-casual chain known for its bold flavors, indulgent vegan “burgers,” and unapologetic branding. Starting in Atlanta, the concept expanded to multiple locations nationwide, becoming a cultural staple in Black and vegan communities alike.
Cole joined the RHOA cast in a recent season, bringing her entrepreneurial energy and larger-than-life personality to the Bravo spotlight.
Despite the personal financial reorganization, Slutty Vegan locations remain operational, and Cole has expressed plans to grow the brand further through franchising.
Public Reaction and Context
Social media reactions to the TMZ video and filings have been largely supportive. Many fans and observers praise Cole’s transparency, positive attitude, and focus on business recovery. Comments highlight her glowing appearance in the interview and note that bankruptcy filings (especially Chapter 11) are common tools for business owners navigating challenges like post-pandemic recovery, loans, and taxes — not necessarily an indicator of personal ruin.
Some online discussions clarify that the $6,000 figure represents income listed in her name for the reorganization plan and may not reflect total household or business revenue streams.
Looking Ahead
Cole’s unbothered demeanor in the TMZ clip sends a clear message: she is treating this as one chapter in a longer story of building and rebuilding. With Slutty Vegan reportedly thriving and franchising on the horizon, the entrepreneur appears poised to emerge stronger.
As her bankruptcy case progresses through the reorganization plan, updates on creditor agreements and business performance will likely continue to surface. For now, Pinky Cole is reminding everyone that resilience, transparency, and a strong brand can coexist with financial restructuring — and that “broke” looks different depending on the lens.
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The Real Housewives of Atlanta continues its fiery Season 17 run with Episode 11, “Shady Text and Bigger Regrets,” airing Sunday, June 14, 2026, at 8/7c on Bravo (and streaming next day on Peacock). If the midseason trailer and recent sneak peeks are any indication, this episode delivers escalating tensions, unearthed secrets, and classic RHOA chaos that fans crave.
What to Expect in Tonight’s Episode
Porsha Williams’ latest confession appears set to stir major chaos among the group, while shady text messages threaten to expose bigger regrets and fractured alliances. Sneak peeks show Shamea Morton opening up about her grievances to Cynthia Bailey, digging into issues involving Drew Sidora and Angela Oakley. Meanwhile, K. Michelle spills tea to Pinky Cole about her fallout with Shamea and her mother.
Keep up with RHOA Season 17:
- RHOA’s Drew Sidora Flaunts Her New Body
- Fireworks Fly in RHOA Season 17, Episode 10
- RHOA Season 17, Episode 8 Brings the Drama
Expect heated confrontations as friendships get tested, lingering drama from prior episodes (like surprise parties, auditions gone wrong, and personal revelations) boils over, and the ladies navigate accusations, backstabbing, and emotional showdowns. The midseason trailer already hinted at “plotting and backstabbing” that divides the group—tonight’s installment looks ready to turn those hints into full-blown fireworks.
Key Storylines Heating Up This Season
- Porsha Williams: Balancing personal drama (including clashes with ex Dennis McKinley) and group dynamics.
- Shamea Morton Mwangi & Angela Oakley: Ongoing tension and explosive exchanges.
- Drew Sidora, K. Michelle, Pinky Cole & More: Career moves, family matters, and clashing personalities keep the energy high.
- Cynthia Bailey (as Friend of the Housewives) and Phaedra Parks: Adding layers of wisdom, shade, and Atlanta history.
Season 17 has already delivered strong ratings and buzz with its mix of returning favorites and fresh additions like Pinky Cole and K. Michelle, keeping the peaches sharper than ever.
How to Watch RHOA Season 17 Episode 11
- Live: Bravo, Sunday, June 14 at 8/7c
- On Demand: Peacock the next day
- Catch Up: Previous episodes streaming now on Peacock
Don’t miss what promises to be one of the messiest episodes yet—text threads, confessions, and regrets that could reshape the season. Tune in and join the conversation on social media with #RHOA!
What are your predictions for tonight’s drama? Drop them below! This episode builds perfectly on the season’s themes of renewal, rivalry, and raw emotion. Stay tuned for recaps and reactions tomorrow.
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Aaron Mattison, who served as chief financial officer for Pinky Cole’s now-shuttered Atlanta restaurant Bar Vegan from 2021 to 2022, has been indicted on multiple felony charges including theft by taking, first-degree forgery, and money laundering.
According to court documents, Mattison allegedly orchestrated several unauthorized financial moves while overseeing the restaurant’s books. Prosecutors say he fabricated documents that appeared to have Bar Vegan’s approval, then wired $87,000 to accounts he controlled for his personal benefit.
Pinky Cole’s Ex-Bar Vegan CFO Indicted on Theft, Forgery, and Money Laundering Charges
He is also accused of making repeated $600 withdrawals between September 2021 and June 2022 that totaled more than $24,999, followed by transfers across multiple bank accounts in what authorities describe as a money-laundering scheme.
Bar Vegan, an extension of Cole’s popular Slutty Vegan brand, was located in Ponce City Market and has since closed. Cole herself has not been charged in the case.
The indictment comes more than four years after a former Bar Vegan employee filed a 2022 lawsuit alleging unpaid wages, withheld tips and overtime, and violations of federal minimum-wage laws. Cole, Mattison, and co-owner Jason Crain were named as defendants in that civil case. The parties eventually reached a settlement in which $62,172 was paid to the plaintiffs.
At the time of the lawsuit, Cole’s representatives emphasized that she had no personal ownership stake in Bar Vegan LLC. The restaurant was owned by Slutty Vegan Inc., and any liabilities fell under the corporate entity rather than Cole individually. Cole has publicly stated she served only as CEO of the parent company and did not hold a direct financial interest in the restaurant.
The criminal case against Mattison is moving forward independently of the earlier wage dispute. Court records were first obtained and reported by The Neighborhood Talk.
Cole has not commented publicly on the latest charges against her former executive.
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Atlanta entrepreneur and new “Real Housewives of Atlanta” cast member Aisha “Pinky” Cole is turning heads—not just for her recent Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, but for the creative way she’s addressing it.
Cole, founder of the popular plant-based burger chain Slutty Vegan, posted a humorous video on social media parodying her financial situation in a style reminiscent of a children’s educational show.In the video, Cole appears as “Mrs. Pinky,” donning a pink top and denim overalls against a whimsical green background adorned with cartoons.
Pinky Cole Makes Fun Of Herself With Bankruptcy Video
She breaks down various bankruptcy chapters through a catchy rap, explaining concepts like Chapter 7 liquidation, Chapter 11 reorganization, and Chapter 13 repayment plans. “Bankruptcy, let’s learn the code: 7 liquidate and roll, 11 you reorganize, 13 pay it back slow,” she raps, encouraging viewers to “file that bankruptcy” while highlighting options for farmers, international businesses, and cities.
Reactions poured in, with fans calling it everything from “cringe” to “corny,” while others praised her for the light-hearted approach. One user noted, “Not her telling us how to do it, I think I like her!!” amid mixed feedback.
Cole’s filing, submitted on March 2 in Georgia, lists debts totaling over $1.3 million, including $1.2 million owed to the U.S. Small Business Administration for a COVID-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan and approximately $192,000 in state taxes to the Georgia Department of Revenue.
usatoday.com This comes after a challenging year for Slutty Vegan, which entered a state-level bankruptcy alternative in 2025, leading Cole to temporarily lose ownership before reacquiring the business.
tallahassee.com The chain, known for its cheeky menu items like the “One Night Stand” burger, has downsized from 14 locations to five, but continues to operate in Atlanta hotspots.Despite the financial hurdles, Cole isn’t shying away from the spotlight. Just days before the filing news broke, Bravo announced her as a full-time cast member for Season 17 of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta,” set to premiere on April 5.
thegrio.com The show, filmed in Atlanta, promises drama among the peach-holding housewives, and Cole’s entrepreneurial story—and now her bankruptcy saga—could add a fresh layer.In another Instagram post, Cole joked about misconceptions surrounding bankruptcy, sharing a photo of herself and her dog “kicked to the curb” to debunk ideas of instant destitution.
thegrio.com Chapter 11 allows for financial reorganization while keeping operations running, which aligns with Cole’s ongoing business efforts.
Slutty Vegan, which started as a food truck in 2018 and exploded in popularity, has become a staple in Atlanta’s vegan scene, drawing celebrities and long lines. Cole’s journey from Baltimore native to Atlanta business mogul has been marked by resilience, including authoring books and expanding her brand into products like plant-based snacks.
As Atlanta watches, Cole’s blend of humor and transparency might just turn this chapter into a comeback story. For now, her “Mrs. Pinky” persona is teaching more than bankruptcy—it’s showing how to face adversity with a smile.
