A source tells ET that the reality star has halted production on her show, 'Don't Be Tardy,' in the aftermath of the controversy.
Kim Zolciak-Biermann would like to clarify her comments.
The 37-year-old reality star found herself under fire after Sunday's Real Housewives of Atlanta season 10 reunion showed her saying that racism isn't "real." In a lengthy post to her Instagram on Thursday, Zolciak-Biermann said that her remark was taken out of context, and that she doesn't "support, tolerate or put up with any form of racism."
"During the last RHOA Reunion episode, I made a comment that confused and offended people. I sincerely apologize. Edited out of context, I understand why my remark angered people," she began. "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."
"I was heartbroken when I watched the last few minutes of the episode and saw how my words were taken out of context. 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," Zolciak-Biermann continued. "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."
The Don't Be Tardy star went on to explain that she thinks social media "has made a centuries-old issue more real" and allows people to participate in the news cycle in real time. "But this is a double edged sword. Now, when false accusations are made, they are amplified by online platforms regardless of their merit," she said. "This wasn’t the case 10 years ago when I started on RHOA."
"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," Zolciak-Biermann concluded. "I am committed to making this world a better place to live. I will continue to learn from, and be open to, ALL people."
The explosive episode featured a heated Zolciak-Biermann -- who feuded with NeNe Leakes this season, saying: "“This whole racism thing in this day and age is bullsh*t. Everyone of those motherf**kers on that couch owe this world a f**king apology for this racism s**t. They already tried to claim that s**t long ago. Nobody bought into it then because the social media wasn’t there and racism wasn’t f**king all that real. You know it.”
The reality star then headed into the bathroom, calling executive producer Andy Cohen in to ask why "there wasn't even one positive question" for her throughout the show. "There was nothing positive, unfortunately, in your story from the season," he replied. "It was all combative.”
A source tells ET, meanwhile, that in the aftermath of the reunion controversy, Zolciak-Biermann has halted all production on season seven of Don't Be Tardy. According to the source, dealing with the drama has been a "legality issue" and that "supporting statements were not aired intentionally for dramatic effect and, without those statements following what was aired, it made Kim's statement misleading."
"Kim and [husband] Kroy [Biermann] are very saddened and let down by production, whom they have had a relationship with for 11 years, and the fact they would be willing to sacrifice the reputation of one of their most loyal and biggest stars for 'shock effect' and ratings," the source adds.
On Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, the host said that he spoke to Zolciak-Biermann for more than 30 minutes, but less than five minutes was shown on TV.
Bravo has no comment at this time. See what Cohen told ET about Zolciak-Biermann's RHOA future in the video below.
Reporting by Brice Sander.
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