Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton’s Feud, Explained

For years, the two R&B and reality stars have gone back and forth in the public eye.

Kandi Burruss, Tamar Braxton Image: Getty Images Photo by Manny Carabel/Getty Images / Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for CLEO TV

Will Kandi Burruss and Tamar Braxton ever see eye to eye? Not likely. The two reality TV icons and music legends have been in a feud for what seems like ages now, dating back to their days on “Celebrity Big Brother” together to just this week, when Braxton was on “The Breakfast Club,” once again trying to decipher why the two just can’t seem to get on the same page.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Nicholas Duvernay Talks ‘White Lotus’ Season 3, Working with Natasha Rothwell

While Burruss has stepped away from “The Real Housewives” and is busy producing some of the biggest hits on Broadway, Braxton is also enjoying continued success, including the return of her family’s massively popular reality series “The Braxtons,” as well as her music career. While we have no idea if or when these two may finally be able to bury the hatchet, we’re breaking down every moment that led us to this point, from their time together on CBB to today.

Two Big Names in R&B

Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images

As we mentioned, both Burruss and Braxton came up together around the same time, with Kandi’s band Xscape and Tamar’s The Braxtons (consisting of Tamar and her sisters Toni, Tawanda, and the late Traci), appearing on the charts in the 90s at the same time.

Running in the Same Circles

Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival

The music industry, like most, is small, and the two for sure ran in the same circles, as Braxton confirmed while on “Celebrity Big Brother.” The two have known each other officially for over 30 years, Braxton confirmed on The Breakfast Club. It was a professional endeavor, however, that seemingly changed the course of their relationship forever.

The Great Xscape Reunion Tour

Image: Getty Images Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images Image: Getty Images Photo by Maury Phillips/Getty Images

From what we can gather, things really took a turn during 2017’s “The Great Xscape Tour,” which saw the band embark on a nationwide tour alongside Braxton and Monica. While it was not common knowledge that by the end of the tour there was tension between Xscape and Braxton, when the two appeared on “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2019, everything came to a head, and an audience of millions got a front-row seat for this feud.

Celebrity Big Brother Fallout

While on the popular reality series, Braxton claimed the tour was “horrible” for her amid marriage and career woes. She also claimed Burruss “personally interjected” herself into Braxton’s issues, saying she was “talking crazy” about her when she should have “just said nothing.” She said to Burruss, “From my perspective, it was totally, utterly disrespectful and unprofessional.”

Burruss, however, was not having any of it. “Tamar thinks that our group was purposely trying to be mean to her, we were purposely trying to mess up her set,” she explained in a confessional. “But the bottom line is we would not do all of those things on purpose to make her life bad on the tour. We were happy that she was there. So whatever she’s thinking is clearly a misunderstanding.”

Braxton was not backing down, going so far as to call Burruss and her group “unprofessional.” When Burruss started laughing, the situation got even worse, with Braxton getting upset at her chuckles. Ultimately, what happened was a classic case of she said, she said, and we may never know exactly what went down to get these two to such a point of no return.

Years Later, the Feud Continues

Years after their time on “Celebrity Big Brother,” their feud began once again, this time after Burruss claimed that former “RHOA” producer Carlos King was attempting to make an Xscape biopic without her or the group knowing. Since the story became a hot topic, Braxton talked about it on Dish Nation, but defended King, saying that she doesn’t agree with Burruss calling King “a thief.”

Tamar Shades Kandi’s Singing

Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Essence

Braxton then found herself in the comments of The Shade Room, taking yet another dig at Burruss. “Imagine having the biggest ego for the most non singing a** person in the music industry,” Tamar wrote in the comments. “Stream my new hit song #changed where I pay homage to the AMAZING swv!!”

Tamar Claims a Real Housewife of Atlanta ‘Threatened’ Her

Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET Image: Getty Images Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for BET

Months later, things took yet another turn, when Braxton took to her Instagram with a pretty serious claim. The “Love and War” singer wrote, “I was threatened by a [peach emoji] and they man…. It’s BEEF and it’s a REAL BEEF cause yo HUSBAND stepped to me! Periodt!” Naturally, everyone assumed the peach was Burruss, referring to her role as a Real Housewife of Atlanta, and the man her husband, Todd Tucker.

Tamar Confirms the ‘Housewife’ was Allegedly Kandi

Braxton eventually said that it happened to Andy Cohen, the big Bravo boss, himself on Watch What Happens, Live! “It really did happen, I’m not lying,” she told the host. “Like, I’m not looking for attention or drama or anything like that, but that s–t really happened, it was not cute.”

Kandi Claps Back

Image: Getty Images Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images Image: Getty Images Photo by David Livingston/Getty Images

After Braxton’s appearance on WWHL, Burruss took to Instagram, seemingly shading Braxton once again. Burruss shared a clip from “The Addams Family,” when Wednesday Adams refers to another girl as being a “victim all her life,” before pushing her in a pool.

Tamar Doubles Down

Image: Getty Images Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET Image: Getty Images Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for BET

In a swift response on Instagram, Tamar doubled down, saying that the alleged moment “obviously happened” and that she is “done talking about it.” She wrote in the now-deleted post, “kandi wants to deflect and condone her man’s behavior by calling me a ‘victim’ (smh)….it’s abusive and disrespectful and it’s NEVER OK FOR A MAN TO STEP TO A WOMAN!!! Fans don’t have to agree!! PERIODT!!”

Kandi Addresses Resurfaced Tamar Comment

Image: Getty Images Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE Image: Getty Images Photo by Leon Bennett/Getty Images for ESSENCE

Now, nearly two years after their last back and forth, the two seem to be at it again. In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight, Burruss was asked if she would bring Tamar to appear on a reboot of her series, “Kandi and the Gang,” especially after a resurfaced clip of Braxton disparaging Burrus’ Atlanta-based restaurant has gone viral online.

When asked if she can still believe that Tamar is “still on her,” Burruss replied, “I’m not playing games with clowns. I’m not about to be in the circus with [her]…never again.”

Tamar Breaks Down Feud on The Breakfast Club

Image: Getty Images Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for CLEO TV Image: Getty Images Photo by Derek White/Getty Images for CLEO TV

On Friday (March 28), Braxton reacted to the “clown” comment from Burruss, and attempted herself to finally break down what exactly got them to this point. “I’m not gonna really get into it because I don’t want to muster up the situation,” she explained while adding that they “wouldn’t be here” if she “wasn’t lied on.” “That’s my thing. I can deal with anything, but don’t lie on me.”

She added, “She chose to call me a clown, and that pissed me off…But what I don’t want to do is continue that conversation and take away from all the hard work that I have been doing these past couple of years and make it about a beef I don’t have, personally, currently.”

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

The Most Exciting Tours From Black Artists in 2026!

From Jay-Z and Jill Scott—a lot our music faves are hitting the road for some amazing tours. Let’s check out who and when! …
These Black Leading Men Aren't Just Paving the Way, They're Building New Roads

These Black Leading Men Aren’t Just Paving the Way, They’re Building New Roads

After Michael B. Jordan and Ryan Coogler’s Oscar wins last weekend, we’re looking at more Black men who are leading in their respective fields …
Solange's Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s Son Julez Clears Up Speculation About His Sexuality

Solange’s only child Julez Smith is opening up about his sexuality and sparking some discourse online! …
As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

As War in Iran Rages, How Much Higher Can Gas Prices Really Get?

Gasoline prices are up in every state since the Iran war begin and they’re expected to rise …
News of Chuck Norris' Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

News of Chuck Norris’ Death Has Black Americans Looking at Him Through a New Lens

‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ star Chuck Norris’ shocking death is sparking some interesting responses from Black folks online. We’ll tell you why! …
How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

How Angela Davis Predicted The Modern Face Of Fascism in 1971

Fifty years prior to rumors of fascism circling President Trump, activist and philosopher Angela Davis made a spooky prediction about dictatorship in the U.S …
Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

Black Woman Has a Multi-Million Dollar Victory in Discrimination Case Against City of Fresno

La-Kebbia “Kiki” Wilson sued the city of Fresno after she became the subject of horrific discrimination from her supervisor …
What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

What We Know About Usher, Justin Bieber’s Confrontation at Beyonce’s Oscar Party

Usher was Justin Bieber’s mentor early on in his career, but now it seems like the two may not be in good-standing with each other. Let’s get into it! …
Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Why Postal Leaders Warn They Could Run Out of Money

Millions of Americans depend on USPS to receive medicines, cast mail in ballots and even pay bills. Now, that’s all at risk …
New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

New Development After Tuskegee University Coach Was Handcuffed, Escorted Out of Rival Morehouse Game

Clips of a Tuskegee University coach handcuffed at Morehouse shocked the sports world; now, he’s making a move that could change everything …
5 Things You Didn't Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington's Films Over the Years

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Spike Lee & Denzel Washington’s Films Over the Years

In honor of Spike Lee’s birthday, let’s take a look at a few fun facts about him and frequent collaborator Denzel Washington that you may not have heard about! …
New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

New Development in Miss Jamaica Health Status After Scary Fall at Miss Universe Pageant

Gabrielle Henry, knowns as Miss Jamaica, suffered a frightening fall at the Miss Universe pageant in November 2025. And now we have major news on her condition …
Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Kamala Harris Claps Back at Nicki Minaj, and the Barbz Respond

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is letting it be known she’s not here for Nicki Minaj’s alleged spread of misinformation. Now, the Barbz are responding! …
Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

Brandy Speaks Out After Ray J Goes Off on These Popular Rappers Over Dating Rumors

After Shyne and Ma$e reminisce about 90s romance on the “It Is What It Is” podcast, Brandy shuts down the rumors and distances herself from her brother’s erratic behavior …
New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

New Southwest Seating Policy Sparks Discrimination Concerns Among Black Women

First, Southwest took away free checked bags and open seating. Now, Black women are speaking out on a new seating policy that allegedly causes more harm than good …
States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump's 'Illegal' Tariffs

States Seeking Refund for 330,000 Businesses After Billions Lost to Trump’s ‘Illegal’ Tariffs

Over 15 states penned a letter to Congress demanding they receive compensation following Trump’s “illegal” tariffs …
Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

Former Magic City Dancer Enters the Conversation After NBA Cancels Collab With Atlanta Hawks

A former Magic City dancer just gave her two cents amid ongoing fallout from the Hawks’ collaboration with the popular strip club …
Olivia Pope and President Grant's Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Olivia Pope and President Grant’s Sexiest ‘Scandal’ Moments of All Time

Kerry Washington and her ‘Scandal’ costar Tony Goldwyn are looking back at some of their steamiest moments. But there are some they’ve missed, let’s take a look! …
7 Old School Cleaning Hacks That Are Black Grandma Approved

7 Old School Cleaning Hacks That Are Black Grandma Approved

Go old-school with your spring cleaning for a house as clean as your grandma’s …
GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

GA Tax Preparer Accused of Stealing Thousands and Leaving Clients in Major Debt

A Georgia woman accused of swindling customers didn’t even have a Preparer Tax Identification Number. Allegedly, she promised tax returns that were too good to be true …