Cynthia Bailey of The Real Housewives of Atlanta is speaking out about being criticized for denying her ‘friendship status’ with fellow ‘housewife’ Kenya Moore.

[READ: RECAP: #RHOA Season 8, Episode 13 ‘Jamaican Beef Catty’ + Watch Full Episode… ]

While Bailey admits the pair are certainly ‘friends,’ there are ‘levels’ to this and Kenya was apparently merely a ‘BFF’ substitute while Cynthia’s true ‘BFF’ (Nene Leakes) was away.

[FLASHBACK: Cynthia Bailey Supports Nene Leakes During Final Broadway Show… (PHOTOS)]

On the other hand, Kenya recently expressed how hurt she was by Bailey’s dismissal of their growing friendship.? Apparently she felt they were much closer than they really are.

More details about Cynthia & Kenya’s ‘BFF’ dispute below…

Cynthia addresses the ‘BFF’ issue in her recent Bravo blawg, stating:

I think the BFF drama was blown way out of proportion. There are other friendships in the group besides me and Kenya or me and NeNe. However, no one seems to really focus on them or question whether or not they are besties. I love Kenya and my relationship with her, but to my knowledge I have never referred to her as my best friend. We have become very close friends over the past couple of years, and I look forward to many more.

Bailey also addressed Nene’s role in her life, stating:

NeNe and I recently rekindled our friendship. This meant a lot to me, because when I joined the group almost six years ago, she was the first one I connected with. There was no denying our connection. Jokingly, a Friend Contract was issued and signed shortly after. The rest is history.

While Nene clearly means the world to her, Cynthia backtracks and ‘makes nice’ with Kenya…

I am grateful for the friendship I have developed with Kenya, and I am also very excited to have my good ol? girlfriend NeNe back in my life. Besties, BFFs, or however you choose to label us, I feel blessed to call both of these women my friends.

Sounds like Cynthia’s torn between two lovers or something.? Jeez….

Meanwhile, back at the ranch… Kenya Moore also has some things to say about how her ‘friend’ Cynthia Bailey ‘flip-flopped’ on her.?? Moore pulled a few quotes from her favorite instagram memes to issue the following statement via her Bravo blawg about how the ‘BFF’ situation deeply hurt her:

A true friend not only defends you in your presence but in your absence.

This is a woman I have adored for over four years and I consider her my sister. When she denied me, it just felt a little too much like rejection, and I?m all too familiar with that.

I was surprised and crushed that she would treat me that way. She not only embarrassed me but deeply hurt me. I just hope our friendship is strong enough to withstand this test.

[Sidebar: I wonder how long Kenya is going to use ‘rejection’ to make excuses for her poor actions? But I digress…]

Kenya also addresses why she became physical with Kim Fields.

As for why the former beauty queen chose to act in a way unbecoming to one who once held the Miss USA title, Moore states:

It doesn?t matter why at this point I took things too far by pulling her chair. Although I didn?t touch her that could have gone in a very bad direction, and I thank God it did not. There is no excuse for my behavior and I am deeply embarrassed. I do wholeheartedly apologize to Kim.

But wait there’s more…

With that said, I have always had the ability to read energy and see the subtle nuances in one?s behavior. I have previously stated that she is often condescending, self-righteous, and judgmental. She tried to blame me for ?provoking? the man who was threatening and aggressive with all the women in Miami; she has made nasty comments about Life Twirls On despite all the work and money that went into it and the immense love I received for it from fans and industry professionals; she judges and lectures all the women on some level. Nothing is lost on my eyes and ears. Including her husband coming for me every episode calling Matt “a mutant I found off the street.” Let the record show he came for me first, and I didn?t send for him.

When Kim went to the room and ranted to her equally delusional husband, she stated ?I?m Kim Fields!? I think that says it all about what she thinks of herself. I?ve never heard Meryl Streep, Shonda Rhimes, Oprah Winfrey, or even Tyler Perry say something so arrogant. Who does she think she is? Oh, that?s right?Kim Fields. Womp Womp

Hold up, wait!? Kenya calls THAT an ‘apology’? Ummkay…. I’m with the flip-flopper on this one.? I wouldn’t want a friend like Kenya in my circle either!

What do you think of Cynthia & Kenya’s statements?