"Real Housewives of Atlanta" castmember Porsha Williams explained her violent behavior and issued an apology on Tuesday for her infamous fight with co-star Kenya Moore during the reality show's season six reunion taping last month.
Williams stated that years of bullying, including alleged spousal abuse and feeling bullied by Moore, led her to physically attack Moore on-air.
As shown on the April 20 RHOA reunion special, Williams sprung from her seat and grabbed Moore by her hair after being verbally taunted. Moore, who does not appear to fight back at all, is then dragged by her hair across the ground.
According to Williams, bullying was at the root of the beatdown.
"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," Williams wrote in a statement given exclusively to US Weekly.
Williams, 31, was married to former NFL player Kordell Stewart from May 2011 to December 2013. She has saidthat the divorce was an "absolute surprise" and that she was "heartbroken" over the separation.
The reality star's statement also said that constant bullying throughout season six also contributed to her emotional eruption, and Moore's use of props during the reunion taping escalated her emotions.
"Throughout the season on Real Housewives I was manipulated and bullied and at the reunion taping when emotions were heightened," she explained.
"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."
Moore repeatedly waived a scepter towards Williams, and spoke through a megaphone during the reality show reunion.
Although she does not apologize to Moore specifically, Wililams expressed regret for her actions, and apologized to her fans and castmembers.
"Violence is not the answer and I want to apologize to my fans, the viewers and the other ladies for my behavior," Williams stated.
"For the thousands of supporters that have stuck by me I thank you immensely and encourage you to donate to shelters for abused woman 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."
After a warrant was issued last month, Williams turned herself in to Atlanta authorities. She was charged with battery, and released after posting a $2,000 bond.
The final installation of the "Real Housewives of Atlanta" season six reunion airs May 4 at 8 p.m. on Bravo.
