Photo Credit: Ron Adar/Shutterstock
Andy Cohen, the prominent figure behind Bravo’s reality TV empire, has vehemently denied claims made in a lawsuit by former ‘Real Housewives of New York’ cast member, Leah McSweeney. The legal dispute, part of an expanding wave of legal challenges surrounding Cohen’s shows, alleges instances of drug-related favoritism and a conspiracy to exploit McSweeney’s alcoholism to enhance the show’s ratings.
McSweeney, 41, filed the lawsuit on Tuesday, naming Cohen, Bravo, NBC/Universal, production house Shed Media US, and producers John Paparazzo, Lisa Shannon, and Darren Ward as defendants. The Hollywood Reporter obtained the suit, which contends that, despite producers being aware of McSweeney’s struggles with alcohol and fragile mental health, she was allegedly coerced into consuming alcohol during the shooting of two seasons of ‘RHONY’ and one season of a spinoff.
Specifically targeting Cohen, the suit accuses him of engaging in cocaine use with ‘Housewives’ and other Bravo celebrities, allegedly favoring those who partake in such activities with more favorable treatment and edits. Cohen’s representative refuted these claims, calling them entirely false and labeling the allegations as outrageous.
McSweeney, founder of the fashion brand Married to the Mob, joined the ‘RHONY’ cast in 2019 for two seasons and subsequently appeared on Peacock’s third season of ‘The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip.’ The lawsuit sheds light on the behind-the-scenes dynamics, claiming a workplace culture that pressured employees to consume alcohol, with producers allegedly colluding to coerce McSweeney into drinking.
Furthermore, McSweeney alleges violations of her rights, asserting that she was denied the opportunity to seek care for her addiction issues while filming abroad, despite producers’ knowledge of her alcohol problems. The lawsuit contends that producers attempted to manipulate her for ratings, leading to a mental health breakdown and a subsequent hospitalization.
McSweeney’s legal action follows a cast overhaul for season 14 of ‘RHONY,’ representing a more diverse group of women. This lawsuit adds to the ongoing scrutiny facing Bravo’s reality TV franchise, with other former cast members like Bethany Frankel and Brandi Glanville also raising concerns about the workplace culture. The legal landscape surrounding these shows continues to evolve, with allegations ranging from abuse of power to sexual assault, prompting calls for industry reform and increased accountability.”
Celebrity News
February 29, 2024Dolphins' Tyreek Hill Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Leg Injury by
