Kim Zolciak apologizes for saying racism 'wasn't all that real' before social media

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Posted Thursday, April 26, 2018 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog

Kim Zolciak released a written apology to Us magazine regarding comments she made during the third reunion episode of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" this past Sunday where she implied that racism wasn't "real."

She said her words were taken out of context, that she meant that social media has amplified racism. Here is what made it on air on Bravo, with curses bleeped out because she does like to curse a lot.

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"This whole racism thing in this day in age is bull****. Everyone of those motherf****** on that couch owe this world a f***king apology for this racism s***," Kim told host Andy Cohen after the taping of the reunion episode at the Biltmore last month that aired this past Sunday. "They already tried to claim that s*** long ago. Nobody bought into it then because the social media wasn't there and racism wasn't f***ing all that real. You know it."

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"I made a comment that confused and offended people. I sincerely apologize," Kim wrote through a statement provided to Us magazine by her publicist Jack Ketsoyan, with no profanities included. "Edited out of context, I understand why my remark angered people. Racism is a sad reality in the United States. It has been prevalent throughout our country's history. Let me be very clear, I do NOT support, tolerate or put up with any form of racism, hate or other discrimination. My love for ALL people runs deep — I am open to all and always have been."

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Credit: Rodney Ho

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Credit: Rodney Ho

During the season, former friend and now ardent foe NeNe Leakes accused Zolciak of being a racist after she supported her daughter Brielle posting a video supposedly showing roaches in a Leakes' bathroom last year. Kandi Burruss during the Sunday episode said roaches were known to infest apartments "in the projects" and sullies black folks in that context. Kenya Moore compared the "roaches" reference to monkeys and watermelon when connected to blacks.

After the taping was over, Kim asked to talk to Andy to complain about her treatment. She said only a tiny portion of what she said ended up on air.

"My comment that seemingly ‘racism didn’t exist 10 years ago’ was made as part of a larger, emotional 45-minute conversation about how, sadly, social media has become a hub for hate," she wrote. "Immediately following my confusing comment, I also said that ‘it’s not as real as it is now,’ referring to the power of social media. But those remarks didn’t make the show.”

She then wrote: “I truly pray that the people wishing horrible things on others, and on me, channel that energy into something positive. Our world would be a much better place if you do. I am committed to making this world a better place to live. I will continue to learn from, and be open to, ALL people.”