This is PT II of a 2 Part exclusive interview that we had with wife, mother and reality star Jackie Christie. We asked Jackie about the negative depiction of black women in Basketball Wives, her decision to be a part of the show and whether she was portrayed correctly. Click here to see Part I.

BMWK: Let’s talk about Basketball Wives. When the LA show came around we were happy to see that this time some of the women were actually married and real life wives. With the first show in Miami there was a lot of buzz about the negative depiction of black women, how they were portrayed and the fact that none of these women were married. Was the negativity around the portrayal of black women on the show something you had to consider before becoming a part of it?

I said we’re going to be an open book. I wanted friends and the viewers alike to see what it’s really like.

JC: It’s funny you say that because I had seen the Miami show and the producers called me and said we really want you on this show.   You’re in LA, we’re doing this show and we want you to be one of the main cast members. I said, OK this is a great opportunity. I wanted people to see my life. I wanted women all around the world to see that just because you’re married to a pro athlete we’re not any different. We have the same issues, worries, bad and good things that happen. And I wanted to dispel the rumors about our marriage as well. So people could understand how we came about getting married every year and that sort of thing. So they said how much are you willing to show? I said we’re going to be an open book. I wanted friends and the viewers alike to see what it’s really like.

I knew it wasn’t going to be peaches and cream. I knew there were going to be people on there whose personalities would clash but starting out everyone was friends. Everyone was like oh my God, we love her, we want to talk to her, can you mentor us and we were doing that. They were calling my house, calling my phone. I was always open to them and trying to show them the right way and suddenly it started turning. And that’s when I realized that this is going to get kind of negative a little bit. And the reason I say that is because it started being arguments and hearsay and that’s fine because that’s some people’s reality. But let’s start to turn it around even if it does go in this direction.

I’ve always said and I maintain it throughout ““ I can be your best friend or your worst enemy just please don’t cross me. If you do I’m going to be right in your face telling you the truth and it hurts sometimes and that’s what I think kind of happened.

I was always hoping throughout the show that if you find yourself in this situation and we’re African American, there are a lot of strong personalities there but we can still talk. You never saw me put my hands on anyone because I feel like violence is something I don’t advocate but I don’t advocate bullying either. The show had its ups and downs but I loved it. I think Shed Media and VH1 did a great job of portraying our reality with the world. I hope that women take away from that even though there are a lot of rumors that we act a certain way this is entertainment and if you’re watching hopefully there is something that you’re identifying with and there’s a message in it.

BMWK: I often hear people on reality shows say they weren’t portrayed correctly or that they were made out to be someone else through the edit process. Are you OK with the way you were portrayed on the show.

I know that for entertainment, shows have to be depicted in a certain way. Was everything that was said and how it really happened and went down shown? Not exactly but with the storyline they selected that’s how it had to be shown.

JC: That’s a good question and I have to be honest. I know that for entertainment, shows have to be depicted in a certain way. Was everything that was said and how it really happened and went down shown? Not exactly but with the storyline they selected that’s how it had to be shown.

I’m ok with it. I feel that my strong personality definitely showed through but I think if you really watch it you see the whole time I’m saying let’s put the cards on the table, let’s be honest ladies you know what you said, let’s just talk about. It wasn’t like, come tell me something and now I’m going to defy your confidence and tell everybody. I feel like it was 80/20.

BMWK: Any chance that you and Doug will be back on air with your own show again.

JC: We would love to do that. Actually when I was approached with this show we were in talks for a show of our own. Then I decided I’ll go with these ladies. If I can show them I have a marriage, my mom is my best friend and I’m losing her. Life is not all perfect like some of these young girls think but we’ll have another show.

BMWK: What other projects are you working on besides the book you mentioned?

JC: I have a clothing line that will be out later this year. It’s called the Jackie Christie Black Collection. It debuted at LA fashion week and everyone has received it well. I am a producer so I have four TV shows. I just signed a new deal the day before yesterday that will be hitting the press soon so we have a lot of projects under our company as well. I’ve written five books previously as well.

BMWK: Thank you for taking the time to share your story with the readers here at BlackandMarriedWithKids.com we do appreciate it.

If you missed Part I of our exclusive Jackie Christie interview just click the link to view it.