Real Housewives star Leah McSweeney’s lawsuit against Andy Cohen, the Bravo network, and others involved in the Real Housewives franchise has made progress.
Leah, who is a former cast member of Real Housewives of New York and Bravo’s Ultimate Girls Trip, alleged in her lawsuit that the defendants purposely made her fall off the wagon so ratings would soar. The ex-reality star now has a court date for oral arguments, making her most likely the first cast member to be able to argue her suit against Bravo in open court - even though she isn’t the first Real Housewives cast member to sue the reality show network.
Additionally, Real Housewives of New Jersey star Caroline Manzo filed a lawsuit against Bravo in January 2024 — this legal case is still pending. In Leah’s suit, she alleged that RHONY’s ratings were the highest ever when one of the show’s stars looked to be confused, irrational, or out of touch with reality.
Her attorneys claim that producers exploited her vulnerabilities. Leah was fighting alcohol addiction when she became a Real Housewives cast member, and she also has had a history of mental health issues. Leah’s lawyers claim that show producers viewed her conditions as a way to draw in a huge audience, and so they played mind games on her until she reacted.
Leah claimed that production successfully was able to get her back to drinking in their first claimed attempt, but when they tried a second time she was able to resist. Although Leah battles alcohol abuse, she alleged that Bravo host Andy and other Real Housewives cast members used harder substances.
Leah has alleged that Andy has done cocaine with Real Housewives stars, an accusation that she denies along with all of the claims made against him. Leah is not only suing Andy and Bravo, but she’s also suing Shed Media, which produces RHONY and Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.
Leah is also suing Warner Bros, the company that owns Shed Media, along with a few individual producers. Andy and Bravo’s attorneys have filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit, but that doesn’t look like it’ll be happening right now.
Oral arguments will be held at a Downtown New York courthouse on October 30. An insider revealed to Page Six that a court hearing will give a chance to the defense to argue for the motion to dismiss the lawsuit and Leah’s team to fight against it. Leah filed the suit in February.
The Mirror has reached out to reps for Leah and Andy for comment.
