‘Real Housewives of Atlanta’ Porsha Williams Apologizes: ‘I Was Manipulated And Bullied’

In an emotional plea to fans, fellow Real Housewives of Atlanta cast members, and viewers of the show, Porsha Williams has released a public apology for her violent altercation with Kenya Moore during the taping of the reunion earlier this year. In a statement released to US Magazine, Porsha had the following to say as to the reasoning behind her outburst:

‘I suffered severe bullying since I was a child, to the extent of contemplating suicide and was also physically and mentally abused in my marriage. Throughout the season on Real Housewives I was manipulated and bullied and at the reunion taping when emotions were heightened, I was pushed too far with objects waved in my face and my personal space was continuously violated, and I reacted in a way which I am not proud of.’

Williams was married to the Pittsburgh Steelers star quarterback Kordell Stewart for two years and their divorce was recently finalized in December 2013.

In conjunction with her public apology, Porsha has opened up to Access Hollywood and offered the following message about domestic violence and the impact that it has had on her life:

‘When you’re in an abusive situation, it kind of just builds, and it starts to get worse and worse. And people ask me, ‘why didn’t you tell anybody or call the police?’ or what have you. I just thought that I could make it better. I honestly thought after each situation that I would change this or I would change that, and, therefore, the outcome wouldn’t be the same. It doesn’t work like that. I’m still realizing now that a lot of what happened, it wasn’t my fault.’

Porsha has expressed embarrassment for her actions. Some of her costars, such as Nene Leakes, have adamantly defended her actions and supported her throughout the process of her divorce and in her desire to release her apology.

‘Violence is not the answer and I want to apologize to my fans, the viewers and the other ladies for my behavior,” Williams said in her interview with US Magazine. “For the thousands of supporters that have stuck by me I thank you immensely and encourage you to donate to shelters for abused women and support charities that stop bullying. As I mentioned on the show I am embarrassed of my reaction and the way that I handled the provocation and I am dedicated to helping others learn appropriate ways to cope with bullies and abusers and from this experience I hope to continue on a path of personal and spiritual growth.’

Williams was charged with battery as a result of her altercation with Moore and has yet to stand trial for the allegations.