In a shocking new interview, several cast members of the hit reality show *Little Women: Atlanta* spoke up to reveal the dark side of the show that had never been revealed before. According to them, what was once promoted as a “chance to shine” gradually became a **nightmare that lasted for years**, seriously affecting their private lives and mental health.

**“Not only were we filmed in close-ups of our weakest moments, but the producers also pushed us into conflict to increase ratings,”** a former cast member shared. She asserted that dramatic situations between female actors were often staged or encouraged to attract viewers, without regard for the long-term consequences.

Some actors said they felt **severely distorted**, when producers edited scenes to make them look like “villains” when they were not in real life. This has led to them being heavily attacked on social media, even leading to depression and having to withdraw from the spotlight.

**“I don’t recognize myself when I watch the episodes,”** an anonymous actor shared. **“I became a target for the audience to mock and laugh at, while the sincere, vulnerable moments were completely ignored.”**

In addition, there have been many allegations that the **stars were not given enough support in terms of mental health** and finances. Many of them said that their salaries were not commensurate with the work they put in, and that there was no support after the show ended, even though their names were still exploited for promotion.

**“They used us as entertainment and then abandoned us behind the scenes,”** another member said indignantly.

This incident once again raises questions about the **ethics of reality TV shows**: Are audiences being lured into dishonest scenarios? And are the show’s participants truly respected as human beings, or just “involuntary actors” in a TV game show?

Currently, the producers of *Little Women: Atlanta* have not made any official comments on these allegations. But clearly, what has been revealed by the former cast has caused many viewers to reconsider what they have supported and consumed over the past time.

‘Little Women: Atlanta’ Cast Pays Tribute to Late Ashley ‘Minnie’ Ross: ‘Our Hearts Are Broken’

The tribute kicks off season 6 of the Lifetime reality show, premiering Friday at 9 p.m. ET

The stars of Little Women: Atlanta are honoring Ashley “Minnie” Ross, who died in a tragic car crash last April.

In PEOPLE’s exclusive first look at the Lifetime show’s season 6 premiere, the group of women discuss their late cast member in a special introduction to the episode.

“So much has changed after we began filming this season of Little Women: Atlanta,” begins Shirlene “Ms. Juicy” King Pearson.

“We lost our sister Minnie in a tragic accident and our lives will never be the same,” Tiffany “Monie” Cashette says.

“Our hearts are broken,” Amanda Salinas admits. “We want to honor her respectfully.”

Addressing their viewers, Abira Green and Andrea Salinas continue, “It’s our hope that you can follow our journey this season as we face these difficult challenges together.”

“And celebrate the friendship and sisterhood we forged with Minnie,” Monie concludes.

At the close of the tribute, all six cast members come together to share their love for Minnie, saying in unison, “We love you, Minnie.”

The reality star was involved in a car accident on April 26 and was later pronounced dead at the age of 34.

Ashley “Minnie” Ross. Scott Gries

Though her team initially believed it was a hit-and-run, an investigation by the City of South Fulton Police Department found that Minnie’s car struck another vehicle head-on, and no third vehicle was involved.

In a statement following her death, a production rep remembered Minnie, a former hairstylist originally from Tennessee, as “the most beautiful, kind, giving, generous human ever.”

“She was adored by cast and crew because she always wore her heart on her sleeve,” the statement continued. “There’s nothing she wouldn’t do for those she loved.”

On the upcoming season of the hit show, true to their grit and perseverance, the ladies face the tragedy together and find a way to continue on, leaning on their unique humor and strength along the way.

Season 6 of Little Women: Atlanta premieres Friday at 9 p.m. ET on Lifetime.