‘R&B Divas’ Producer Gets Into Heated Exchange w/ TV One President Over The Series’ Delayed Return: ‘Release The Name & We Can Take The Show Elsewhere’

‘R&B Divas’ Producer Gets Into Heated Exchange w/ TV One President Over The Series’ Delayed Return: ‘Release The Name & We Can Take The Show Elsewhere’

The possibility of TV One’s hit reality series ‘R&B Divas’ making a resurgence may not be happening anytime soon.

On Wednesday (May 10), one of the show’s producers, Phil Thornton, took to Instagram to let it be known that the current fate of the uber-successful show is out of his hands and into those of the famed network’s president, Michelle Rice.

Phil Thornton

However, what started out as a general response ultimately led to a brief back-and-forth between producer Phil Thornton and TV One’s president Michelle Rice, which (seemingly) commenced in the comments of a photo shared by popular blogger Jasper Brown.

The now-controversial post captured a fan-picked cast for a potential fourth season of the ‘R&B Divas’ franchise, with former Divas Syleena Johnson, Angie Stone, Keke Wyatt, Monifah, and additions Shamari DeVoe, Tamika Scott, Nivea rounding out the desired crew.

Phil Thornton responded to the “dream cast” and said,

“I would love to see the show return! However, it’s not me (or potential cast) delaying things… Holla at [Michelle Rice] and [TV One].”

Michelle Rice

From there, things took an unexpected turn, as Michelle Rice called “bullsh*t” on Thornton’s remark, and Thornton later claimed that TV One had basically been holding the show hostage since its cancellation in 2015.

He claimed:

“I (or any of the R&B Divas show producers) don’t own or control the name/show – your network does. If you’re not interested, release the name and we can take the show elsewhere.”

Thornton continued,

“Now where is the lie or bullsh*t you were referring to? Call me if you need to char with me – I don’t do back and forth on socials unless there is a check involved.”

Phil Thornton

Rice then said,

“Just stop. Its unbecoming and just dumb. No lie in that. You can call me if you like. You have the number.”

Thorton deemed Rice’s words “unprofessional.” The online feud soon ceased, and none of the cast members have spoken on the matter… as of yet.

Initially premiering in August 2012, ‘R&B Divas’ was a reality series that followed the lives of illustrious female singers… on and off of the main stage. The Atlanta sector of the two-city franchise featured Monifah, Syleena Johnson, Keke Wyatt, Faith Evans, Nicci Gilbert (who’s listed as the creator and executive producer), and later Angie Stone, LaTocha Scott (Xscape), LaTavia Roberson (Destiny’s Child), and Kameelah Williams (702).

Original poster for R&B Divas: Atlanta

The spin-off, ‘R&B Divas: Los Angeles,‘ starred Chanté Moore, Lil’ Mo, Miche’le, Claudette Ortiz, Dawn Robinson, Kelly Price and Leela James, Chrisette Michele, Stacy Francis, and Christina “Brave” Williams who came in during the latter seasons.

Original poster for R&B Divas: Los Angeles

What are your thoughts on an ‘R&B Divas’ comeback? Let us know in the comments below!