If you were watching VH1 back in 2013, you remember the moment. Mimi Faust, the long-suffering ex of Stevie J, finally found a new man. He was smooth. He was from Brooklyn. He had this sort of mysterious, almost too-polished energy. His name was Nikko Smith—though most of us know him now as Nikko London. At first, it seemed like a win for Mimi. But within a few episodes, it became clear that Nikko wasn't just a boyfriend. He was a catalyst for some of the most chaotic, controversial, and high-rated moments in the history of Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.
Honestly, people still talk about the shower rod. It’s been years, yet that one specific image from the Mimi Faust and Nikko London sex tape—Scandal in Atlanta—is burned into the collective memory of reality TV fans. But there is so much more to the Nikko saga than just a leaked (or staged) video and a piece of bathroom hardware.
From secret marriages to "throuple" drama on other networks, Nikko's trajectory is a wild case study in how to play the reality TV villain role to perfection. Even now, in 2026, he remains one of the most polarizing figures to ever step foot in the ATL franchise.
The Mimi Faust Era: Romance or "Opportunity"?
When Nikko first appeared on our screens, the narrative was simple: Mimi was moving on. After years of Stevie J’s "rat" antics and the Joseline Hernandez drama, fans wanted her to win. Nikko looked the part. He was an artist, a producer, and he seemed devoted.
But the cracks showed up fast.
K. Michelle, never one to hold back, was the first to sound the alarm. She famously claimed Nikko was "gay" or just using Mimi for a come-up. While the sexuality rumors were never substantiated, the "using her" part started to feel a lot more plausible as the seasons progressed. The chemistry felt... off. It felt like Nikko was playing a character in a movie only he had the script for.
That Sex Tape (Let’s Be Real)
The defining moment of Nikko’s tenure on Love & Hip Hop Atlanta was undoubtedly the release of the sex tape with Mimi. For months, the storyline was that their luggage had been "stolen" at an airport and the footage was leaked by a third party. They played the victims. Mimi cried. Nikko acted outraged.
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Then the truth came out.
Vivid Entertainment didn't just find a tape; they negotiated for it. Mimi eventually admitted the whole thing was a setup. Nikko was the mastermind behind the "leak," convincing Mimi that this was their ticket to financial freedom and "superstar" status. It worked, in a way. The tape became one of Vivid’s top sellers, but it cost Mimi her reputation and, eventually, her relationship with Nikko.
The Secret Wife Nobody Saw Coming
Just when you thought the drama couldn't get any weirder, the show dropped a bombshell: Nikko London was married. The whole time he was dating Mimi on camera, he had a wife named Margeaux Simms back in New York.
This wasn't just some old paperwork he forgot to file. He and Margeaux were business partners and long-time collaborators. When Margeaux finally showed up in Atlanta for Season 4, she didn't come to play. She was edgy, talented, and surprisingly likable compared to Nikko.
The dynamic was fascinating because:
- Margeaux claimed they had an "open marriage" or were separated, but the timing was murky.
- She blamed Mimi for the sex tape, believing Nikko's lies that Mimi was the one pushing for the "fame" play.
- It turned the show into a three-way battle for the truth that usually ended with everyone shouting in a recording studio.
Nikko somehow managed to be the antagonist in two different relationships simultaneously. It was peak reality TV, and viewers couldn't look away.
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Life After Love & Hip Hop Atlanta
Nikko didn't last forever in the VH1 universe. After the explosive Season 4 reunion, where he was essentially ostracized by the rest of the cast, he exited the show. But he didn't disappear from the small screen immediately.
He and Margeaux took their drama to WE tv’s Marriage Boot Camp: Reality Stars 6. This time, they brought a third person—Margeaux’s girlfriend, Merike Palmiste. The "throuple" storyline was meant to be their next big break, but it felt a bit like they were trying to catch lightning in a bottle for the second time. It didn't have the same impact as the Atlanta seasons.
Where is Nikko London Now?
People often wonder if he’s still making music or if he’s still in the industry. Nikko has always identified primarily as a musician and producer. In the years since his reality peak, he has continued to release singles and projects under his own label.
He’s leaned heavily into his "Nikko London" branding, distancing himself slightly from the "Nikko Smith" persona of the early 2000s. He’s also active on platforms like Cameo, where fans (or haters) can pay him to deliver messages in that signature Brooklyn-meets-Hollywood tone.
The Legacy of a Reality TV "Villain"
Was Nikko London a "bad guy," or was he just someone who understood the assignment?
In the world of Love & Hip Hop, you either die a hero or live long enough to become the villain who gets a spin-off. Nikko leaned into the villainy. He didn't mind being the most hated man on the stage if it meant the cameras were pointed at him.
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But there’s a lesson here for aspiring influencers and reality stars. The "fame at any cost" strategy—exemplified by the staged sex tape—often has diminishing returns. Mimi Faust eventually rebuilt her brand as a mother and entrepreneur, but Nikko’s name remains tethered to that one specific moment of deception.
Why We Still Talk About Him
We talk about Nikko because he represents the "Wild West" era of reality television. Before everything was overly polished and managed by PR teams, there were people like Nikko who were willing to do almost anything for a storyline.
He was the catalyst for some of the most iconic memes and "did that really happen?" moments in cable history. Whether you think he was an opportunist or a misunderstood artist, you can't deny that the show was a lot more predictable once he left.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you’re looking back at the Nikko London era and trying to make sense of the reality TV machine, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Fact-check the "Leaks": In the age of social media, almost every "scandal" is a calculated move. If a reality star claims they "lost their phone" or a tape was "stolen," look at who stands to gain the most from the publicity.
- Follow the Talent, Not Just the Drama: While Nikko is known for the drama, Margeaux Simms actually had legitimate musical talent and a unique fashion sense. Sometimes the "supporting characters" in these scandals are the ones worth following long-term.
- The Internet is Forever: The "shower rod" moment happened over a decade ago, yet it’s the first thing people mention when Nikko’s name comes up. For creators, this is a reminder that a short-term boost in "clout" can lead to a long-term branding problem.
- Verify Marriage Status: If you're a reality TV producer (or just someone dating a smooth talker from Brooklyn), a quick public records search can save you a whole lot of Season 3 heartbreak.
Nikko London might not be at the center of the Atlanta social scene anymore, but his footprint on the franchise is permanent. He played the game, he took the heat, and he walked away with a permanent spot in the reality TV hall of fame.
For those interested in his current music, checking out his recent releases on Spotify or SoundCloud gives a better look at the "artist" he always claimed to be, away from the VH1 cameras.