Housewives Recap: Porsha Finds the Love She’s Been Waiting For With Girlfriend Sway
RHOA star Phaedra Parks spills on Porsha Williams’ new romance as season 17 heats up, with Porsha, 44, introducing new partner Patrice Sway McKinney to the cast on the April 12 episode — and Phaedra giving Sway a sweet-and-gentle seal of approval.
RHOA gave us a personal plot twist this week, and Phaedra Parks is fully cheering from the sidelines. Porsha Williams went public on the show with a new relationship, and Phaedra has thoughts — supportive ones, with a little wink.
The reveal: Porsha introduces Sway
On the April 12 episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta season 17, Porsha (44) brought her new lady friend into the group: Patrice "Sway" McKinney. It is exactly what it sounds like — Porsha is dating a woman, on camera, and not hiding it.
"People had a lot to say about me being with women in the past. It’s like, literally the worst kept secret."
That was Porsha in a confessional, basically confirming what fans have whispered for years.
Phaedra weighs in (and she is all in)
On Us Weekly's Getting Real With the Housewives this week, Phaedra (52) called Sway a sweet, gentle presence who clearly adores Porsha — and said that is exactly the kind of unconditional energy Porsha needs right now. Phaedra joked that she was the last to know because she minds her own business, but she is genuinely happy to see Porsha live openly, especially when so many people hold back because of family pressure or cultural expectations. Her bottom line: Porsha is walking in her truth and letting herself be loved. Period. She even tossed out a playful "maybe I’m next" before immediately pulling it back. Classic Phaedra.
How we got here, quickly
- February 2025: After 15 months of marriage, Porsha files for divorce from Simon Guobadia (61). The filing hits days after reports that Simon was detained by ICE, though a source told People the split was not about his citizenship status.
- June 2025: Us confirms Simon, who is from Nigeria, is deported after months in detention. The divorce is finalized the same month.
- October 2025: Onstage at New York City’s CultureCon, Porsha tells the crowd she is talking to two people — a man and a woman — and openly says she is dating a woman.
- April 12 (Season 17): Porsha brings Patrice "Sway" McKinney into the RHOA fold as her new partner — her first public relationship since the divorce.
The vibe now
Phaedra is backing Porsha without hesitation, calling the relationship a win and applauding the fact that Porsha is doing this on her own terms. The show loves a messy reveal, but this one is surprisingly clean: a supportive friend, a calm introduction, and a cast member who is not hedging about who she is seeing. Honestly, good for her.