“Real Housewives of New York City Alum Leah McSweeney Files Lawsuit Alleging Toxic Work Environment”
Andy Cohen Denies Claims as RHONY Star Speaks Out on Workplace Culture
Leah McSweeney, former cast member of “Real Housewives of New York City” (RHONY), filed a civil lawsuit on Tuesday against the show’s executive producer, Andy Cohen, and Bravo Media, accusing them of fostering a “rotted” workplace culture where employees felt pressured to consume alcohol.
In the legal document obtained by PEOPLE, McSweeney alleges that Cohen, Bravo Media, NBC Universal Media, Warner Bros. Discovery, and producers John Paparazzo, Lisa Shannon, and Darren Ward failed to maintain a safe working environment and accommodate her disabilities, including “alcohol use disorder” and “mental health disorders.”
A representative for Andy Cohen responded to the claims, stating, “The claims against Andy are completely false,” as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.
McSweeney, a fashion designer who joined RHONY in 2019, claims she disclosed her history of alcohol use disorder to the producers and expressed her desire to maintain sobriety. However, she alleges that the producers intentionally created scenarios to exacerbate her disabilities, aiming to generate sensational reality television.
The lawsuit also accuses Cohen of engaging in “cocaine use with Housewives and other ‘Bravolebrities'” and providing favorable treatment and edits to those involved in such activities. A source close to the production denied these allegations, calling them “outrageous.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, a source revealed that McSweeney was in talks about being cast on “RHONY: Legacy” but was not chosen for the ensemble due to her short tenure on the series.
In response to the lawsuit, McSweeney shared a detailed statement on Instagram, emphasizing her intentions with the legal action. She expressed her love and respect for Bravo talent while highlighting the need for reality TV to authentically depict life’s complexities and provide genuine support to those sharing their stories.
McSweeney concluded her statement by asserting the authenticity of her case and her determination to address the issues she has faced. The legal battle sheds light on the challenges within the reality TV industry, prompting discussions about workplace culture and the responsibility of producers in ensuring a safe and respectful environment for cast members.
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