Is Monica replacing Toni?

A lot of people ask that. No, I don’t’ think so at all. Keesha Sharp [who plays Monica] is a talented character and, since she is marrying William, she needs to be in the dynamic one. In real life, when someone is marrying one of your best friends, they become a permanent fixture.

Is “Girlfriends” the same without Toni?

It’s still the same. The numbers are even better this season! It’s like trying a new food. If you’re used to a burger with mustard and ketchup, and then one day you decide to put mayonnaise on it, you realize, “Oh, it’s still good.”

Were you upset with Jill Marie Jones’ [Toni] decision to leave?

Yes. I love her, but she made a decision, and I respect her decision.

Can you comment on what went down?

There are a lot rumors, but for the record, it’s not about renegotiating. It’s not about Tracee, Persia or me going against her. It has nothing to do with money, nothing to do with any of that. It was really just about her and her decision to leave, and I think that Jill should set the record straight and put it out there. It’s not my job; it’s not the CW’s; it’s not Tracee or Persia’s job to clean up what she has done, and I feel we’re doing a lot of that.

Are you, Tracee and Persia girlfriends outside of work?

Yes, very much so. I knew Tracee before the show. I love them so much. It really is an extended family.

What do you think makes a good girlfriend?

Compassion.... I mean, at times your girlfriends know things your parents don’t know, so they have to be nonjudgmental too. And a good sense of humor is nice.

Will there be another season of “Girlfriends?”

I think there’s going to be, and that’s all I’ll say. Just keep watching. We love what we do, and we enjoy making people laugh.