Maury Povich made a surprise cameo on Sunday’s episode of The Real Housewives of Atlantastepping in to resolve a dispute between newcomer Aisha “Pinky” Cole Hayes and Phaedra Parks.
The dispute centered on rumors that Cole, the founder of the buzzy plant-based chain Slutty Vegan, had been secretly eating meat.
The rumor surfaced during a charity event, and co-star Shamea Morton recalled that Phaedra suggested that Cole once ran a Jamaican restaurant that served steak.
Phaedra responded, insisting that she never claimed that Pinky deviated from her vegan lifestyle.
Cole, who revealed that she once worked as a producer at Maury, joked that she had a lie detector “in her back pocket.”
Moments later, Povich appeared virtually, delivering her signature verdict: “Pinky, when it comes to the accusation that you’ve been secretly eating meat…the lie detector test says…that was a lie. Pinky, you’re still vegan.”
The hilarious cameo capped a tense exchange, with Cole winking at the camera and thanking Povich for clearing his name.
Cole’s story this season has expanded beyond the cast drama.
The businesswoman has been candid about the financial strain of her Slutty Vegan empire, which at its peak was valued at $100 million.
In March, he filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Georgia, citing more than $1.3 million in debt, according to People.
Despite the setbacks, she insists her effort continues: “I built this brand with heart and enthusiasm, and I’m not done yet.”
New episodes of The Real Housewives of Atlanta air Sundays at 8 pm ET on Bravo.
