NeNe Leakes' New Man Once Arrested for Rape and Assault

Arthur Earl Horne III was charged with aggravated rape and assault, but only convicted of misdemeanor assault.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

NeNe Leakes' new boyfriend, Arthur Earl Horne III, has a criminal past. In 2017, Horne was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee for allegedly raping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, but he was only convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge. Horne maintains his innocence on the more serious charges.

Why it matters

This story raises questions about NeNe Leakes' judgment in dating someone with a history of alleged violent crimes, and whether she was aware of Horne's past when they started their relationship.

The details

According to police reports, in February 2017, Horne was arrested after officers responded to a 911 call at the home of his former girlfriend in Memphis. The woman claimed she was beaten and sexually assaulted by Horne, sustaining injuries to her face, neck and arm. Horne was initially charged with aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault, but was only convicted of misdemeanor assault. He received a sentence of just under a year of probation and 30 days in jail.

  • In February 2017, Horne was arrested in Memphis, Tennessee.
  • Horne was indicted on charges of aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault.
  • Horne was only convicted of misdemeanor assault in 2017.

The players

Arthur Earl Horne III

NeNe Leakes' new boyfriend who was arrested in 2017 for allegedly raping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend, but was only convicted of a misdemeanor assault charge.

NeNe Leakes

Former star of "The Real Housewives of Atlanta" who is now dating Arthur Earl Horne III.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Nearly a decade ago, a jury heard all of the evidence and found Arthur Earle Horne III NOT GUILTY on every serious charge brought against him, including aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault. That is the verdict. That is the record.”

— Attorney (TMZ)

“With respect to the misdemeanor, Mr. Horne has always maintained his innocence and accepted the outcome of that proceeding while never wavering from the truth. That matter was resolved by the courts years ago and he has nothing further to say about it.”

— Attorney (TMZ)

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of thoroughly vetting potential partners, especially those with a history of alleged violent crimes, and raises concerns about NeNe Leakes' judgment in dating someone with Horne's past.