15 Years Later: The Shocking Current Life And Controversial Legacy Of Ryan Leslie From The Real World: New Orleans (2010)

Few reality stars leave a mark as indelible and controversial as Ryan Leslie, one of the two Ryans from the 2010 season of *The Real World: New Orleans*. More than a decade after the cameras stopped rolling, a new generation of fans—and a nostalgic old guard—are rediscovering the season thanks to its availability on streaming platforms like Paramount+ and Netflix, bringing Ryan’s dramatic storylines back into the spotlight on this current date of December 13, 2025.

The season, often referred to as *The Real World: Back to New Orleans*, was defined by its explosive conflicts, but none were quite as shocking or memorable as those involving Leslie. From his polarizing political views to the infamous "pee on the toothbrush" incident, Ryan Leslie’s time in the historic New Orleans house cemented his status as one of the most talked-about, and often disliked, roommates in the franchise's history. But where has the former aspiring hair stylist been since his dramatic exit, and what is the reality star doing now?

Ryan Leslie: Complete Reality Star Biography & Profile

Ryan Leslie arrived in New Orleans with a pre-existing career in the beauty industry and a strong, often confrontational, personality. His time on the show was marked by intense arguments and confrontations, particularly with his openly gay roommate, Preston O'Neil Roberson-Charles, and his other namesake, Ryan Knight.

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• Full Name: Ryan Leslie
• Born: March 26, 1988
• Birthplace: Tempe, Arizona, United States
• Age (as of Dec 2025): 37 years old
• Known For: Cast member on *The Real World: New Orleans* (2010 season)
• Pre-Show Career: Worked in a salon as a hair stylist/cosmetologist in Tempe, Arizona.
• Key Controversies: Homophobic remarks, confrontations with Preston and Ryan Knight, and the infamous "pee on the toothbrush" incident.
• Post-Show Appearances: Has appeared on various podcasts and fan shows to discuss his time on MTV.
• Current Status: Believed to be focusing on a career leveraging his social media presence and reality TV notoriety.

The Infamous Incident: The Real World’s Most Shocking Prank

No discussion of Ryan Leslie is complete without revisiting the incident that has been replayed and discussed for over a decade: the moment roommate Preston O'Neil Roberson-Charles urinated on Ryan Leslie’s toothbrush. This event remains a pivotal and deeply disturbing moment in the history of *The Real World* franchise, showcasing the extreme tension and hostility that developed within the New Orleans house.

The conflict was the culmination of weeks of escalating arguments, often rooted in Leslie's conservative and sometimes homophobic views, which repeatedly clashed with Preston's openly gay lifestyle and the house’s generally liberal environment.

• The Build-Up: Leslie’s constant provocations and controversial statements created a toxic living situation.
• The Act: Preston, feeling pushed to his limit, retaliated by peeing on Leslie’s toothbrush, a moment that instantly became reality TV legend.
• The Aftermath: The incident led to a massive confrontation, with Leslie immediately demanding Preston be removed from the house. While Preston was not immediately evicted, the event permanently fractured the house dynamic and remains a dark spot on the season’s narrative.

The resurgence of the season on streaming has brought new attention to this event, with countless reaction videos and social media discussions debating the ethical line crossed in reality television. For many fans, the incident perfectly encapsulates the volatile nature of the *Real World* format during its peak.

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Where Is Ryan Leslie Now? Post-MTV Career and Social Media Influence

Since his time on the show, Ryan Leslie has largely stepped away from the traditional reality television spotlight, notably never appearing on the spin-off series *The Challenge*, despite many fan discussions about his potential casting.

His absence from *The Challenge* is often attributed to his controversial persona and the possibility that his growing social media success may have provided a more lucrative path than the MTV competition circuit. Leslie, like many former reality stars, has successfully leveraged his notoriety into a personal brand.

A Shift in Career Focus

While Ryan Leslie’s original career was in cosmetology and hair styling in Tempe, Arizona, his post-show endeavors appear to have transitioned into the realm of social media influencing and online content creation.

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Specific, verifiable details on his current professional title or business in late 2025 are difficult to confirm, a common situation for reality figures who manage their own personal brand. However, fan updates and discussions suggest he remains active online, maintaining a physique that is frequently commented on and engaging with the reality TV community.

The Legacy of Controversy and Ryan Knight

A significant part of Ryan Leslie's post-show narrative is his relationship with his late castmate, Ryan Knight. The two Ryans, despite their sometimes rocky relationship on the show, were often linked in fan memory. Knight, who was known for his hockey background, tragically passed away in 2014. Leslie has, in various fan interviews and discussions, spoken about his memories of Knight and the impact of his death on the cast.

Leslie’s personal controversies did not end with the show. Years after the season aired, he faced backlash for a string of homophobic tweets, prompting a public apology. This pattern of behavior has kept him relevant in the reality TV news cycle, even without a new show.

Why The New Orleans Season Endures

The *Real World: New Orleans* (2010) cast, including Ryan Leslie, Jemmye Carroll, Eric Patrick, Ashlee Feldman, McKenzie Coburn, Sahar Dika, Preston, and the late Ryan Knight, is considered one of the most memorable ensembles of the franchise’s later years. The season's focus on deep-seated conflicts, political polarization, and personal betrayal—all centered around the tension caused by Ryan Leslie’s presence—has given it incredible staying power.

Today, Ryan Leslie remains a figure of deep curiosity for reality TV aficionados. His current life is a testament to how a brief, intense stint on a reality show can fuel a public profile for years, even if the primary source of that fame is a moment of extreme, unforgettable controversy.