Porsha Williams Goes Public With Stud Girlfriend Patrice “Sway” McKinney — RHOA Star’s New Love Raises Eyebrows
Media Take Out has learned that reality star Porsha Williams is officially off the market — again. The Real Housewives of Atlanta star just went public with her new stud girlfriend, Atlanta-based barber and entrepreneur Patrice “Sway” McKinney.
The relationship reveal comes after months of speculation that Porsha was dating both men and women — including rumors that she was romantically linked to a wealthy white woman. But this week, she made it clear: Sway is the one by her side, for immediately.
Porsha’s New Relationship Unveiled on lens
On Monday, Porsha introduced her new boo, Sway, to her RHOA castmates Phaedra Parks and Angela Oakley while filming scenes for Season 17. Sources close to production tell Media Take Out that Bravo’s cameras were rolling for every second of the reveal — and the footage is “explosive.”
Sway, who describes herself as a “licensed barber and business boss,” is the co-founder of Encore Salon Suites, which bills itself as the first Black-owned salon suite franchise in the U.S. The company helps small business owners open and operate their own beauty and barber spaces.
But insiders aren’t convinced the romance is purely from the heart. Several sources whispered to Media Take Out that Sway may have paid a “placement fee” to be featured on the show — in hopes of boosting her company’s visibility nationwide.
As one Bravo insider put it, “Porsha’s smart — she knows a storyline when she sees one. And Sway? She knows good marketing when she sees it.”
Divorce, Debt & a Desperate Rebrand
Porsha’s new relationship comes at a time of major upheaval in her life. Earlier this year, she finalized her divorce from Nigerian businessman Simon Guobadia after less than two years of marriage.
The split was messy — and expensive. According to court documents obtained by Media Take Out, Simon was ordered to pay $40,000 per month in spousal support, but he reportedly hasn’t paid Porsha a dime. That’s left the reality star scrambling to cover the $20,000 monthly mortgage and utilities on Simon’s lavish $4 million Sandy Springs mansion.
A source close to Porsha said, “She’s been through a lot. The divorce drained her emotionally and financially. The show is her comeback — and she knows she needs buzz to keep that Bravo check coming.”
Porsha Admits She’s Exploring Her Sexuality
In a June interview with PEOPLE, Porsha hinted that she was rethinking everything about her love life — including her attraction to women.
“I was sitting here asking myself, ‘Do I like women enough? Can I get with a woman?’” she said. “Who can come and fill this void?”
At 44, Porsha seems to be doing just that — exploring new experiences and relationships as she rebuilds her life and image.
Simon’s Deportation Drama
Meanwhile, her ex-husband Simon’s troubles keep mounting. After spending four months in an ICE detention center, Simon was deported back to Nigeria earlier this year. Porsha celebrated his departure on Instagram, posting, “It’s over!!!! Thank Goodness. Grateful.”
But Simon isn’t going quietly. He’s still fighting to return to the U.S. and has filed an appeal with the Georgia Supreme Court, along with a federal defamation lawsuit that could resurface old drama.
The Bottom Line
Porsha Williams has never been one to shy away from attention — and her relationship with Sway McKinney is already delivering exactly that.
Whether this new romance is a true love story or just a strategic storyline, one thing is for sure: Porsha’s making headlines again — and Bravo’s cameras are eating it up.
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