Andy Cohen is putting his foot down regarding the casting chaos in Maryland, and his message to the “Green-Eyed Bandit” is loud and clear.

Days after Gizelle Bryant reportedly told production she would no longer film with Karen Huger following the Grand Dame’s recent legal troubles, the Bravo mogul, 57, insisted that Karen remains a pillar of the franchise and described Gizelle’s refusal to work as “unprofessional ego-tripping.”

Andy shut down Gizelle’s attempt to use Karen’s “felon” narrative as a reason to ice her out of the group, warning that any housewife who refuses to fulfill their filming obligations risks being “paused” indefinitely.

“I think people will be surprised by how firm we are being on this, but the show is an ensemble, and no one person calls the shots,” Andy told Radio Andy listeners in a segment shared on January 28. “Obviously, the cast has opinions, but you know, we don’t build seasons around who is willing to talk to whom.”

“There’s a job to do. It’s both a platform and a professional commitment, and refusing to film with a core cast member makes producing the show nearly impossible,” he added.

According to production insiders, Gizelle’s campaign to oust Karen began immediately following Karen’s high-profile DUI and subsequent legal hearings.

“It started as Gizelle claiming she didn’t want to ‘associate’ with a criminal element, and people kind of picked up on her energy during the reunion,” an insider admitted. “She’s been in the ears of the other ladies, trying to build a wall around Karen, but Andy isn’t having it.”

“We weren’t lying when we said the Grand Dame isn’t going anywhere. We were trying to figure out the best way to integrate the legal drama into the storyline. And ultimately, we decided that the fans want to see the fallout, not a boycott,” the insider continued.

Although there have been rumors that Gizelle felt she had enough seniority to dictate the cast list, Andy confirmed the decision to keep Karen was made by the network and is non-negotiable.

“We decided to just set the record straight,” he explained. “The last thing we were ever going to do is make some type of casting decision based on a personal vendetta or a refusal to do the work.”

Regarding a potential reconciliation between the two frenemies, Andy said he was hopeful but realistic.

“We don’t know. There’s no playbook for these long-standing rivalries. We were very much on the same page where like, we knew we needed both of them for the chemistry of Potomac to work. We knew things had been tough,” he reasoned.

That said, Andy confirmed that the network is prepared to take drastic measures if the “filming strike” continues into the new production cycle.

“We’re gonna start production soon. We’ll see who shows up to work. This isn’t like a minor disagreement; this is about the integrity of the series. There’s absolutely some frustration on our end. Gizelle has done great things for the show. Karen has done great things. But the show comes first,” he shared. “We care about the fans’ experience, so in a world where a cast member refuses to film, we’ll find someone who will.”

Andy then acknowledged the “paused” status of other housewives who tried to exert too much control and mentioned the feedback he’d seen about the current Potomac dynamics.

“We don’t really plan to get to that point with Gizelle, but she needs to realize the show is The Real Housewives of Potomac, not The Gizelle Bryant Show,” he noted. “I just hope that they both find a way to coexist, because the fans deserve to see the real story, legal woes and all.”

The Real Housewives of Potomac is expected to begin filming its next season this spring.

“Kirk Franklin Addresses Personal Rumors: ‘My Marriage Is Strong and My Faith Is Unshaken’”

Kirk Franklin

is once again setting the record straight — and this time, he’s addressing the ongoing rumors surrounding his personal life with confidence and clarity. The gospel legend recently opened up about his 

28-year marriage to his wife, Tammy Franklin, and made it abundantly clear that they are happily married. Despite facing public scrutiny and speculation over the years, their bond has remained unbreakable.

Kirk was quick to dispel any rumors or accusations regarding his sexuality or personal life, calling them completely false and unfounded. He explained that, as someone who’s been in the public eye for decades, people often feel the need to tear down what they don’t understand. But for Kirk,

truth and love have always been at the center of his values, both in his personal life and his ministry.

During his statement, Kirk Franklin made sure to acknowledge his wife, Tammy

, as his rock and supporter through every season of life. Their marriage has faced its challenges, as any long-term relationship does, but their commitment to one another has remained steadfast. He credited Tammy for being by his side through thick and thin, reinforcing the strength of their love and partnership. 

Kirk’s message is not just about clearing up rumors, but also about redirecting the focus. He urged his fans and the public to not feed into gossip or baseless speculation. Instead, he encouraged everyone to focus on what truly matters — the music, the message, and the ministry that he’s dedicated his life to.

In a world that often thrives on drama and negativity, Kirk Franklin’s words are a powerful reminder to hold fast to what’s real and stay grounded in faith. His legacy in both music and ministry speaks for itself, and nothing can shake the love he shares with his family.