Cynthia Bailey Says Demetria McKinney May Not Be ‘Perfect Fit’ for “Real Housewives”

Alex Martinez/Bravo(NEW YORK) — When Real Housewives of Atlanta returned for season seven, viewers met two new faces — housewife Claudia Jordan and veteran castmember Cynthia Bailey’s friend Demetria McKinney. Still, the fashion model may have regrets about introducing the House of Payne actress to the rest of the ladies.

“I think coming into this group you know her focus was always on her music career. And it may not have been the perfect fit for her if that was her main focus and if she couldn’t really show a lot more of her life and reality,” Bailey tells ABC News Radio about McKinney being on the hit series. “This is a reality show. You have to show your reality.”

“I respect her tremendously. We’ve grown very, very close but this show is not for everyone,” she adds.

Derek J., celebrity hairstylist and co-host of Bravo’s Fashion Queens, agrees as he’s worked with McKinney previously. “She’s taking it as an acting job. And that’s how I feel. Everything is a very rehearsed moment that she has and it’s like I practiced this in my room, before I went downstairs,” he tells ABC News Radio.

Bailey says McKinney would better connect with viewers if she did show more about her much-discussed relationship with Tyler Perry Studios executive Roger Bobb, and even her life as a single mother.

“I adore Demetria. I personally think she’s a great addition to the show. However, I do know it’s hard to put yourself out there. You have to be ready to be completely transparent and put yourself out there,” Bailey says. 

Real Housewives of Atlanta airs Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Eastern time on Bravo.

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