Executive Producer Phil Thornton On: ‘R&B Divas’ Cancellation, Fall-Out with Nicci Gilbert & Claudette Ortiz’s Departure [INTERVIEW]

Syleena Johnson, Phil Thornton

Messy rumors have been ablaze surrounding the hit reality television series R&B Divas ATL, including reports that the TVOne show has been cancelled. What’s more? The “tea” is literally spilling off the screen with Nicci Gilbert, executive producer and former Divas cast member, vocally criticizing the direction that the show has taken. In fact, earlier this week, we reported on Gilbert’s not so subliminal tweets claiming that money had been withheld from her and one of the show’s executive producers —Phil Thornton — and Think Factory Media have tried to destroy her character. theJasmineBRAND.com recently chatted with Thornton, for his reaction on reports about R&B Divas Atlanta’s alleged cancellation; recent comments made by Gilbert; why Claudette Ortiz will not be returning for another season of R&B Divas LA and more. Check out a few excerpts.

On whether or not R&B Divas Atlanta was cancelled:

Phil Thorton: R&B Divas Atlanta has not been cancelled. There has been no definitive decision made by the network. Yeah, contracts have expired. We have not renewed any of the cast contracts. That’s no secret. We’re in discussions now, but the show is absolutely not cancelled. I was on the phone with the network today and the show is absolutely not cancelled.

On what he thinks about Nicci Gilbert’s issue with him:

Phil Thornton: I don’t care! I’ve done shows and films since R&B Divas. No one else I’ve worked with has an issue with me. I was the person that sold what was an idea for her and made it a reality. I gave her money out of my own fee to basically accommodate and up her producer fee. Faith was making significantly more because of who she is. Nicci’s fee did not match that. Nicci was upset. Myself and my partner said, ‘Instead of bumping our fee, give that money to Nicci Gilbert’. Tell that part! I don’t worry about what her feelings and her thoughts are of me because I’ve done right by her.

On what he disliked about the direction of the show (R&B Divas Atlanta):