Sons of television legend NeNe Leakes, Brentt and Bryson Leakes, have entered the public eye in radically different ways. Their experiences, which were influenced by glaring differences in their health, choices, and paths, have aroused widespread admiration and concern, frequently in the same sentence. The family continues to negotiate a challenging emotional terrain through incredible fortitude and painfully candid disclosures.
Support for the younger of the two, Brentt, has grown as a result of his remarkably brave recovery. He experienced a series of complications following a severe stroke in 2022, which ultimately led to congestive heart failure. His health quickly deteriorated. The condition deteriorated to the point where a heart transplant was necessary by the middle of 2024. “I finally heard the unexpected news that I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure,” Brentt said, addressing the moment with unexpected clarity.
Nene Leakes’ Sons: Personal and Public Details
| Detail | Brentt Leakes | Bryson Rashard Bryant |
|---|---|---|
| Date of Birth | February 22, 1999 | December 1989 (estimated) |
| Parents | NeNe & Gregg Leakes | NeNe Leakes & Calvin Bryant |
| Public Recognition | Appeared on RHOA, health survivor | Legal incidents, addiction challenges |
| Major Health Event | Suffered stroke & heart failure in 2022 | Substance use disorder involving fentanyl |
| Recovery Update | Underwent heart transplant in 2024 | Incarcerated after latest arrest |
| Career Direction | Entrepreneur, lounge owner, social influencer | No confirmed profession |
| Known For | Inspiring recovery, public speaking | Legal troubles and media controversy |
| Children | Recently became a father | Father of three children |
| Online Presence | @kingbrentt (Instagram) | No public social media profile |
| Current Status | Relearning speech and mobility post-surgery | Awaiting court proceedings |
After a 14-hour heart transplant procedure, Brentt recovered with a renewed resolve to live thanks to tremendous physical exertion and medical assistance. Videos of him learning to walk again have surfaced in recent days; he is clearly struggling with each step and is heavily supported by rails. He inspired thousands of people who have faced comparable struggles by sharing these vulnerable moments, in addition to illuminating his own strength.
He was especially grateful to the family of the anonymous donor. “I am so thankful to the family that donated the heart,” he wrote in a particularly tearful post. With his mother NeNe’s encouragement, that moment of introspection showed a maturity beyond his years, as he wrote, “To God Be The Glory! I am incredibly proud of your strength during this process, son.
On the other hand, Bryson’s path has been influenced by his addiction and ongoing legal issues. Another low point in a troubling string of incidents was his arrest in 2023 for loitering, identity fraud, and possession of fentanyl. During the arrest, he allegedly misidentified himself as Brentt, which not only confused authorities but also further entangled his younger brother in public scrutiny, according to shocking police reports.
Despite being outspoken about her family’s difficulties, NeNe has been more forthcoming about Bryson’s addiction. “He needs rehabilitation,” she said in an especially frank interview. He requires extensive counseling. He is addicted. He has been battling it for years. She spoke in a loving yet worn-out tone, which is typical of parents caught in the never-ending cycle of helping a child who struggles with substance abuse.
She has tried several interventions over the years, paying for treatment programs and providing advice, but each time he relapsed. She clarified the painful reality that addiction recovery depends on personal readiness rather than family resolve, saying, “He has to say, ‘I’m ready to go,’ not me making him go.”
There is still a sense of cautious optimism in spite of these setbacks. Lamar Odom, a former NBA player, recently offered to take Bryson to his wellness center. Odom has assisted those battling addiction through strategic alliances and practical experience, and if Bryson accepts, his unexpected gesture could be the lifeline he needs.
Brentt, meanwhile, has turned his attention to goals with a purpose. He recently celebrated his first Father’s Day, highlighting his shift from patient to parent, and called it “one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.” Through his use of his platform to shed light on the realities of recovery, Brentt has emerged as a ray of hope for young people who are struggling, encouraging them to find strength in their vulnerability as well as to persevere.
NeNe’s current priorities are demonstrated by her refusal to accept offers like season 4 of The Traitors, citing Brentt’s health. She is spending time providing care that cannot be captured on camera, rather than pursuing continuous TV attention. Putting family before fame is not only a commendable change, but it is also incredibly clear in its purpose.
Their story strikes a chord because it remarkably resembles the experiences of many families: two children from the same home picking different routes, one fighting uphill with integrity, and the other still trying to establish a foothold. The Leakes family has provided something extremely uncommon by fusing emotional openness with hard-won knowledge: truth without adornment.
Brentt’s updates have significantly improved over the last 12 months, both mentally and physically. His actions now show a renewed purpose, his speeches show deeper introspection, and his online presence—which documents his new endeavors and rehabilitation—feels incredibly versatile. He’s not trying to become famous. He’s creating a life that feels more purposeful and grounded.
This disparity within a single household humanizes celebrity in a way that is difficult to overlook in the context of reality TV culture, where headlines frequently overpower heartbeats. Families on screen, such as the Braxtons and the Kardashians, are subject to increased pressure. Few, however, have shown this degree of unvarnished truth with such measured elegance.
