Oh, Leilene. It’s hard to know where to even start so here are some facts that are further explained in the interview below:
- She’s stripping again.
- She’s planning a trip to Hawaii with Heat.
- She’s producing a movie that Buddha tried out for.
- She feels like she hasn’t made any progress in her oft-chronicled problems with men. :(
But at least, you know, she’s still got Buckwild and Saaphyri as friends! She talks about all these things, as well as stripper strategy, her “limited intellect,” that pinky-swear and much more below!
How was your time on the show?
I didn’t really know what was going on. As usual! (Laughs) Other people would be in their own rooms, scheming up their own plans. I pretty much was just hanging out with Saaphyri and Buckwild and…Heat sometimes, too. Everyone seemed to have strategy sometimes. Except for me.
Really? Kissing Heat during the Power Outing wasn’t strategy?
No. I did start liking him. Beforehand, Saaphyri and Buckwild said they thought Heat was better for me. A lot of people don’t know that Saaphyri, Becky and I are really close friends. We developed a strong bond after Charm School. Becky and I spent Valentine’s Day together last year. They stayed with me in Vegas for a whole week. We almost all died in a car crash together, too. We argue a lot, but it’s like sisters. The whole experience really upset me because I didn’t want to put my relationship with them in jeopardy for the sake of money or entertaining people on TV. I don’t have a lot of people in my life. I have my kids. People seem to think I’m surrounded by people, but that’s not the case at all.
OK, but to a viewer, it looked like you were interested in Buddha, but then you went on the Power Outing and seduced Heat to stay in the game, and then when that was accomplished, you dropped him.
I was and am still attracted to Heat. Buddha and I had met at the Reality Awards a few months ago and exchanged numbers. We never dated, but were getting to know each other and he had been quite cordial and gentlemanlike. He’s got a lot of deep and philosophical views and stuff. I just thought I had a mental connection with him because we had spoken and had more rapport. He’s just a friendly person. [After the show taped], he auditioned for a feature film that I’m producing and we had closure. He said, “I am so sorry about a lot of things.” He told me to my face that he called me a hoe and said that I wasn’t very smart. He also said that I hurt his feelings, that he thought we were going to develop a friendship. Who can help having a crush on a guy? He’s got a great bod and a nice, great smile. He’s a beautiful person. It was just nice to talk to someone. I feel like I suck with men, just talking about this.
It seems like they’re you’re weakness.
Yes. Men are my downfall. F***. In Flavor of Love, I was getting out of a relationship. I had bad timing on Charm School, too. I had just gotten out of a really physically abusive relationship. On I Love Money 2, people thought I got eliminated because I slept with somebody. I didn’t sleep with anybody. I got eliminated because I wanted to get to know somebody.
So we’re watching this problem come up on TV repeatedly. Do you feel like you’re progressing at all or learning from your mistakes?
No! I’m not! It’s a learning process. The one thing I couldn’t do on Charm School was pick a guy. And I still can’t! I saw someone said on a blog that they felt a Leilene spin-off coming on. About what? Finding a man? Why don’t you try to teach me how to pick them first?
What are you going to do about this problem, Leilene?
I don’t know. I’m on Match.com right now. I really am. I’m trying to be proactive, here. Also, I’m off to Hawaii with Heat in a bit. We talked the other day. He asked me if I was OK after the second episode aired. I was like, “Not really.” We talked for six hours. He told me that our kiss was real, and I feel the same way. It just sucks, the circumstances we were in. I felt like we were Romeo and Juliet. It was kind of tragic, you know?
Tragic is the word for it. Wasn’t the comment about treating the show like a strip club a declaration of strategy as well?
I meant that I didn’t want to have emotions. It didn’t mean everything I do was going to be in a stripper way. I sunbathe because I sunbathe. I sleep naked. I don’t like material rubbing up on me. People on message boards seemed shocked that I went topless. It’s like, are you kidding? Angelique’s allowed, and she’s a stripper, but not me?
I guess the idea behind the outcry was that you had changed that aspect of your life as a result of Charm School.
I appreciated everything about Charm School, but it’s not like what I learned on that show disappeared. I’m still a charitable person. Just today, I tried to adopt and rescue a puppy and I got outbid. I still do a lot of charity work and charity apperances, and I’m still a good person, but I’m not a good person because I sunbathed topless? It’s OK for Cindy Crawford to do something like that, or people who live in Europe who aren’t even famous, but it’s not OK for me?
What did you think about Buckwild’s plan for you to eliminate yourself? Did you feel betrayed?
At first, I figured, OK: if one of us gets the money, it’s better than anyone else getting it. We’ve thought that way since Charm School. I just trusted my friends, and that’s why I didn’t really have strategy. I figured if I went with them, I’d be OK. But then, I changed my mind and I told her that. I feel so stupid about that kindergarten pinky swear. That’s the one thing I regret: the pinky swear.
Why was it essential to let Heat know the plan on the Power Outing?
We were so emotional, arguing in front of him and he just went, “OK, what’s up?” I couldn’t contain myself. It was like: you asked, I’ll answer. It was already going on in front of him.
So you made it through that and then Saaphyri, your girl, eliminates you. Did you feel betrayed then?
No, because I had explained to Saaphyri that I wasn’t happy with my life. I had to go back and dance to pay for school.
So you’re dancing now?
Yes. I’m dancing at a place called the Lodge. I like it because a lot of people who go there are couples. It’s more burlesque-oriented and a pin-up-type thing. And there are more featured entertainers. It’s more like entertaining people who are happily married who go there for the show.
So it’s a high-class joint?
Very much so. Very different. You’re not gonna catch me dancing anywhere else.
And this is to pay for school? What are you studying?
Film. I’d like to produce reality TV so I can make the real money. Right now I’m producing a feature film. It’s a psychological thriller. The working title is In Storage and it just got picked up for distribution. I want to be like Tyler Perry, Robert Rodriguez, Tina Fey and Quentin Tarantino. They just took control and have power of their own careers. Not too bad for “limited intellect,” huh?
So you have this conversation with Saaphyri about being down and out, and she kicks you off anyway.
She just didn’t think it was the right place. I just try to be non confrontational I don’t like having my temper out because it’s really scary, and I was just mentally over it. As a true friend, Saaphyri knew that I’m at a point in my life when I’m just looking for real love. I’ve had money before, and I know how to get money.
But who is Saaphyri to say what’s right for you? And if that was the case, why didn’t you just eliminate yourself so that the other team could get rid of Buddha, like they wanted?
In the end, I didn’t want to go out a quitter. I’ve got my own brain here, I really do. When I tried to leave earlier in the episode, the producers asked me, “Do you really want to leave?” I told them no because I really needed it. At the same time, I didn’t want to ruin my friendships. A lot of women don’t like me. A lot of women don’t want to be my friend.
You’re still friends with Buckwild and Saaphyri?
Oh, hell yeah. I just saw Becky the other day and she told me that she loves me. But she was saying that on the show, too. It’s always been that way. When we met on Charm School, she said, “You know I really like you, but since we’re competing, I don’t like you.” With this show she said, “You know the drill, right?” And I said, “Yes. Because we’re competing, you’re going to be a total beeyotch. Got it.” But in the end, I was OK with leaving because even though the money they offer for these shows is great, but taxes are a bitch. It’s like, this is so not worth it. Can you up the ante to a million maybe?
On the show, you said, “I’m a troubled person.” Do you really feel that way?
I do. I felt like from Charm School, I got put on a pedestal. But I don’t want to be a role model. I’m just trying to fix my life.
Keep in touch with Leilene via her MySpace and her official site.
Related content
I Love Money 2 show page
I Love Money video and extras
I Love Money 2 ยป Watch Video
| Episode | Type | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 215 | Misc. | Videos: Watch The Craziest Moments of Season 2! | 5/15/09 |
| 215 | Show Clips | Videos: Reunion Show Clips | 5/13/09 |
| 214 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Finale Bonus Clips | 5/04/09 |
| 214 | Show Clips | Videos: Finale Show Clips | 5/04/09 |
| 213 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 13 Bonus Clips | 4/27/09 |
| 213 | Show Clips | Videos: Episode 13 Show Clips- Big Boobs, Big Bucks | 4/27/09 |
| 212 | Show Clips | Videos: Can You Hang? Show Clips | 4/20/09 |
| 212 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 12 Bonus Clips | 4/20/09 |
| 211 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 11 Bonus Clips | 4/13/09 |
| 211 | Show Clips | Videos: You Can Scream All You Want Show Clips | 4/13/09 |
| 210 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 10 Bonus Clips | 4/06/09 |
| 210 | Show Clips | Videos: You Made Your Bed, Now Lie In It Show Clips | 4/06/09 |
| 209 | Show Clips | Videos: Thrown Under the Bus Show Clips | 3/30/09 |
| 209 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 9 Bonus Clips | 3/30/09 |
| 208 | Show Clips | Videos: How Do You Say 'Implosion' in Spanish Show Clips | 3/23/09 |
| 208 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 8 Bonus Clips | 3/23/09 |
| 207 | Show Clips | Videos: Are You There, God? It's Me... Show Clips | 3/16/09 |
| 207 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 7 Bonus Clips | 3/16/09 |
| 206 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 6 Bonus Clips | 3/09/09 |
| 206 | Show Clips | Videos: The Chickens Who Come Home to Roost Show Clips | 3/09/09 |
| 205 | Show Clips | Videos: Alliances Are Dead - Or Are They? Show Clips | 3/02/09 |
| 205 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 5 Bonus Clips | 3/02/09 |
| 204 | Show Clips | Videos: Kiss My... Show Clips | 2/23/09 |
| 204 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 4 Bonus Clips | 2/23/09 |
| 203 | Show Clips | Videos: It's in the Cards Show Clips | 2/16/09 |
| 203 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 3 Bonus Clips | 2/16/09 |
| 202 | Show Clips | Videos: Stripper Moves Show Clips | 2/09/09 |
| 202 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 2 Bonus Clips | 2/09/09 |
| 201 | Bonus Clips | Videos: Episode 1 Bonus Clips | 2/02/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: I Love Money 2: Supertrailer | 01/22/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: I Love Money 2: Episode 4 Sneak Peek | 02/18/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: I Love Money 2 Episode 13: Sneak Peek | 04/23/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: I Love Money 2 Finale: Sneak Peek | 04/30/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: The Final Showdown: Full Act 3 | 05/04/09 |
| -- | Show Clips | Videos: I Love Money 2 The Reunion: Welcome! | 05/11/09 |
| More I Love Money 2 Episodes | |||
16 responses to to The Celebreality Interview – Leilene
I think no one gave her a chance and that she did the best that she could with everyone against her. There is nothing wrong with looking for love, in my opinion she can do way better than what was on that show. I can tell she is a great person inside and out and just needs a little direction and I think in the end she will be ok :)
Leilene is awesome! screw all those other people who were total jerks to her.
SHE DONT KNOW WHAT SHE WANT FOR HER LIFE!! I THINK SHE’S STUPID. SHE LET PEOPLE DECIDE ON HER LIFE ON WHAT SHE CAN DO, U’RE A GROWN $@&_%%*(^~@~^*_ WOMAN. COME ON NOW. EASILY MANIPULATED BEEYOTCH
why is she so fine though?!?!?! thats all i gotta say
Leilene, you will find the man of your dreams soon! You are very beautiful and some lucky guy will find you and make you happy! You deserve it! I wish you were still going to be on the show, I will miss seeing your pretty smile! Thomas
Leilene,
you are simply AMAZING!
And despite everything everyone says on all these shows, I believe you are full of strength, courage, and bravery.
This producing career you got going is great, because it’s what I wanna do to lmao. I hope we can meet one day!
Love ya baby girl,
peace
~ MySpace.com/New_JerZ
~ Enjay
Leilene, your producing career will be the best! I hope that you and Heat get together, too. He is God-fearing, and that type of man will marry you.
Leilene i hope you read these comments because you need to grow up!If your “problem” with men is being a )@$*&+~*!__^(*~!$ every chance you get then thats more than a problem!Stop doing these shows and making yourself look dumb and get a REAL job to take care of your kids!
Whatever happened to Goldie…why is she no longer doing VH1 tv?
i feel that u and heat belong together and buddah is just stupid and i think that your not selfish about wanting friends money and a boyfriend thats cool.
my heart goes out to babygirl. stay strong, have faith, and you’ll get everything worked out.
I am so glad she is gone. She had some real issues to let all of those people walk over her. She needed to stick up for herself which showed the other how weak she was and that is why she is gone now.
I wished you would have listened to your girls from the get go. Buddha is and never will be more than the lame `()~^)$`+$@)~^+%$ over steroid, non sexy punk that he is. To think that you would fall for his words is just mind boggling. You should have stood up and put the `()~^)$`+$@)~^+%$ in his place. I just wish that VH-1 would do a reality and real fan face off. He wouldn’t be able to pull these stunts this way. You and are a beautiful women. You just need to listen to your girls and that voice deep down. They will never steer you wrong. Keep your head up and stay strong.
Damn boo thats messed up the way they did you. But one good thing about it is that you do not have to go through all that back stabbing. You did good baby, stay strong and keep looking for your opportunity to shine. If you are still looking for love then let me know I think you and I would make a great couple.
WHERE SHE STRIPPIN AT
i believe that leilene is a great person. and she is beautiful inside and out. i agree with what heat and buddha said at the reunion, that she is a wonderful person and is completely who is she is that is seen on tv. she’s not fake, she is absolutely real. it’s only that her soul is lost because she’s been through so much and needs to find that soul. can’t find somebody until you find yourself.
i was a big fan of leilene on charm school because she was an underdog and reminded me of myself. i am a little dissappointed though because she’s stripping again, and on the show she was trying to prove that she is strong and would no go down that road again.
but i still have hope for her. i cannot wait to see more of her. i know she will beat the odds someday. finding that confidence wiill help her find love. and she will be happy and be a wonderful mother. you can do it, leilene!