The $150K Lie: 5 Shocking Truths About Mimi Faust And Nikko London’s 'Scandal In Atlanta' Sex Tape

The scandal that rocked reality television more than a decade ago remains one of the most controversial and calculated moments in the history of the *Love & Hip Hop* franchise. As of December 16, 2025, the story of the "leaked" sex tape involving Mimi Faust and her then-boyfriend, Nikko London, is no longer a mystery, but a masterclass in manufactured reality drama. The tape, titled "Scandal in Atlanta," was initially presented as a devastating violation of privacy, but the truth, later confessed by Mimi herself, revealed a shocking plan for financial gain that ultimately backfired on one of the show's biggest stars.

This deep dive explores the full context of the infamous footage, the true identity of Nikko, the staging admission that changed everything, and the massive financial and personal cost Mimi Faust paid for her calculated risk.

The Central Figures: Mimi Faust and Nikko London Biography

The controversy is inseparable from the lives and careers of the two individuals at its center, both of whom gained significant fame—and infamy—from the VH1 reality series *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta* (LHHATL).

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• Mimi Faust (Oluremi Fela Faust)
  • Born: January 3, 1972
  • Origin: Newport News, Virginia
  • Career: Reality Television Personality, Small Business Owner (Cleaning Service), Interior Decorator.
  • Known For: Her tumultuous long-term relationship with music producer Stevie J and her role as a main cast member on *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta*. She is the mother of a daughter, Eva Giselle.
  • The Scandal: The subject of the 2014 sex tape "Scandal in Atlanta" with Nikko London.
• Nikko London (Londell Smith)
  • Born: (Details on exact date/year are less consistent, but associated with the Atlanta music scene)
  • Real Name: Londell Smith. (Note: He is often confused with the *American Idol* contestant Osborne Earl "Nikko" Smith, but the LHHATL star is Londell Smith, who uses the stage name Nikko London.)
  • Career: Singer, Rapper, Producer, Reality Television Personality.
  • Known For: His controversial relationship with Mimi Faust, which began after her final breakup with Stevie J, and his central role in the sex tape scandal. He was secretly married to Margeaux Simms during this period.
  • The Scandal: Co-star of the "Scandal in Atlanta" tape and the primary person accused of leaking it (before the staging admission).

The Anatomy of a "Leak": How the Tape Became 'Scandal in Atlanta'

The release of the sex tape in 2014 was a pivotal moment for both Mimi Faust and the *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta* series. It was perfectly timed to serve as a major storyline for Season 3, immediately drawing massive public attention and media coverage.

The Setup and the Narrative

Mimi and Nikko London were dating following Mimi's dramatic split from Stevie J. The tape, which was reportedly filmed in a hotel room, was initially framed as a private recording that was somehow stolen or "leaked" to the public.

The on-screen narrative on LHHATL showed Mimi as the victim, devastated by the betrayal and the public humiliation. This portrayal fueled a significant portion of the season's drama, pitting Mimi against the other cast members, most notably Joseline Hernandez and Nikko's then-secret wife, Margeaux Simms.

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The Deal with Vivid Entertainment

In a move that shocked many, the couple quickly capitalized on the "leak." Rather than filing a lawsuit to stop the distribution, Mimi Faust and Nikko London signed a deal with renowned adult film company Vivid Entertainment.

The tape was officially released under the title "Scandal in Atlanta," and immediately became a commercial success, reportedly breaking porn-pirating records at the time.

The Confession: Mimi Admits the Tape Was Staged

The most shocking revelation came not from the tape itself, but from Mimi Faust's own mouth one year later. After months of maintaining the narrative that she was a victim of a leak, Mimi finally admitted the truth: the entire scandal was a coordinated performance.

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A Planned Financial Scheme

In a 2015 interview, Mimi confessed that the tape was not "leaked" but was a planned business venture between her and Nikko London.

The initial plan was to film the private moments and then shop the footage to adult film companies for a significant payday. The "leak" narrative was simply a cover story designed to create maximum drama and sympathy on *Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta*, thereby boosting the tape's commercial value and their own relevance on the show.

The Aftermath of the Admission

The confession had a profound impact on Mimi's reputation and her standing on the show. While the tape itself was profitable, the admission of a calculated lie led to significant backlash from fans and critics who felt manipulated.

Mimi later expressed deep regret for the decision, stating that the public humiliation was not worth the money.

The True Cost: Financial and Personal Consequences

While the tape generated a substantial amount of money, the long-term cost to Mimi Faust's career proved to be far greater than the immediate financial gain. The scandal created a complex web of personal and professional fallout.

1. A Reported $150,000 Pay Cut

Perhaps the most significant consequence was the impact on Mimi’s salary from the reality show. Mimi Faust revealed that her involvement in the scandalous tape ultimately led to a reported $150,000 pay cut from her contract with VH1.

This massive reduction in earnings highlighted the network's disapproval of the staged controversy, suggesting that while drama is welcome, deliberate manipulation of the show's narrative can lead to professional penalties.

2. The Revelation of Nikko’s Secret Marriage

The scandal quickly deepened when Nikko’s secret wife, Margeaux Simms, was introduced to the show. Margeaux revealed that she and Nikko were still legally married during the time he was dating Mimi and filming the sex tape.

This revelation exposed Nikko London as a serial deceiver, not only to Mimi but also to the audience, adding another layer of betrayal to the already complex narrative. Margeaux's presence on the show created new conflicts, including a dramatic clash with Stevie J.

3. Stevie J's Reaction and the Co-Parenting Dynamic

Mimi's ex, Stevie J, the father of her daughter Eva Giselle, was a central figure in the aftermath. He was vocal about his thoughts on the tape, often expressing his belief that Nikko was a "user" and that the tape was a desperate act.

Mimi’s confession to Stevie J about the staging was a major turning point in their co-parenting relationship, forcing her to confront her actions with the person whose opinion mattered most regarding their family unit.

4. Long-Term Career Stigma

Despite her attempts to pivot her career—focusing on her cleaning service business and her role as an interior decorator—the "Scandal in Atlanta" tape remains the defining moment of her public life.

The move from being a sympathetic figure caught in a love triangle to a woman who manufactured a scandal for money permanently altered her image in the eyes of the public and the media, a stigma that has followed her throughout her subsequent reality television appearances.

The Legacy of the Scandal

The Mimi Faust and Nikko London sex tape saga is a landmark event in the history of reality television. It blurred the lines between genuine drama and calculated performance, setting a new, lower standard for what cast members would do to maintain their relevance and screen time.

Today, Mimi Faust has moved on, focusing on her family and her business ventures, though she has admitted that the regret over the staged tape is a burden she still carries. Nikko London (Londell Smith) has continued to pursue his music career and has occasionally appeared on reality television, though never regaining the same level of spotlight.

The "Scandal in Atlanta" remains a cautionary tale about the high price of fame and the true cost of making a deal with the devil for a quick reality TV storyline.