In a shocking turn of events, Leah McSweeney has stepped up her legal battle against Bravo and its prominent figure, Andy Cohen, claiming he has launched a targeted campaign to tarnish her reputation.
In newly surfaced court documents obtained by Page Six, the former star of The Real Housewives of New York City alleges that after filing an explosive lawsuit against Cohen in 2024—accusing him of drug use and pressuring her to relapse on camera—Cohen retaliated by encouraging fellow reality stars to publicly discredit her.
McSweeney’s legal representatives assert that Cohen used his considerable influence to initiate a “character assassination” campaign involving over 20 Bravolebrities. This assertion raises significant questions about the culture of reality television and the lengths to which its stars will go to protect their narratives.
Among those named in her filing are notable figures from Bravo shows, including Real Housewives of New York City‘s Luann de Lesseps, New Jersey‘s Margaret Josephs, and Beverly Hills‘ Kyle Richards. McSweeney’s team claims that their public remarks, which cast doubt on her character, were not mere coincidences but rather orchestrated attacks influenced by Cohen.
Leah McSweeney in a recent appearance.
Among the reported comments, Margaret Josephs alleged to Page Six that McSweeney’s lawsuit was an “assassination” of Cohen’s character, while Heather Dubrow, in a separate podcast, suggested McSweeney should express gratitude towards Bravo for providing her the platform that led to her fame.
Moreover, McSweeney has maintained her claims regarding Cohen’s drug use, pointing to statements made by two former cast mates who supposedly confirmed his cocaine use. The court filing highlights a disturbing trend where revelations about personal habits and backstage intrigue intersect with public personas, raising ethical questions about the way reality television stars interact with one another.
Andy Cohen has denied all allegations against him.
Despite the accusations against him, Cohen has consistently denied all claims. Following McSweeney’s initial suit, he sought a retraction under the threat of a defamation lawsuit, indicating his intent to legally combat what he views as groundless allegations. Leah’s attorney, Gary Adelman, has asserted that she looks forward to the discovery process, expecting it to uncover significant revelations.
The judge assigned to the case has allowed McSweeney’s claims of retaliation to move forward, while dismissing several other allegations. This decision could signify a potentially tumultuous journey ahead as Leah aims to hold Cohen accountable for what she describes as a misuse of power behind the scenes of reality television.
Leah McSweeney continues to fight back against perceived injustices.
As the reality TV world continues to unfold these drama-filled storylines off-camera, one has to ponder: how much control do network executives have over their stars’ reputations? How far are the personalities willing to go to maintain their public images? In light of this ongoing feud, it illustrates the murky waters of celebrity interactions behind the scenes.