Entertainment · October 31, 2026
Andy Cohen, Bravo settle bitter lawsuit with ‘RHONY’ alum Leah McSweeney who claimed they preyed on her alcoholism
Andy Cohen and Bravo have settled a legal dispute with Leah McSweeney, a former cast member of 'The Real Housewives of New York City'. McSweeney filed the lawsuit in early 2024, alleging that producers and executives fostered a toxic work environment and intentionally pressured her to relapse into alcohol abuse to improve television ratings. The case was significant as it became the first time a cast member's lawsuit against the network reached a courtroom setting. Following a confidential settlement, McSweeney voluntarily withdrew her claims with prejudice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, precluding her from refiling the same allegations in the future.
Read the original coverage
- New York PostTabloid
Exclusive | Andy Cohen, Bravo settle bitter lawsuit with ‘RHONY’ alum Leah McSweeney who claimed they preyed on her alcoholism
Read at New York Post ↗ - TMZTabloid
'RHONY' Alum Leah McSweeney Settles Lawsuit With Andy Cohen, Bravo
Read at TMZ ↗ - DeadlineTrade
Andy Cohen & Bravo Settle Leah McSweeney Smear Campaign Lawsuit
Read at Deadline ↗ - Us WeeklyCelebrity
‘Real Housewives of New York City’ Alum Leah McSweeney Drops Lawsuit Against Andy Cohen and Bravo
Read at Us Weekly ↗
Reported by multiple outlets
- Andy Cohen and Bravo have settled a lawsuit filed by Leah McSweeney.
- The settlement terms were confidential and not publicly disclosed.
- McSweeney's attorney, Gary Adelman, expressed satisfaction with the outcome.
- The lawsuit included allegations that the network encouraged substance use and alcohol relapse.
- The case reached the courtroom stage before being settled.
Reported by only some outlets
- Us Weekly reports McSweeney is 44 and Cohen is 58.
- Page Six reports the lawsuit was originally filed in January 2024, while Deadline and Us Weekly cite February 2024.
- Us Weekly notes the dismissal was with prejudice.
- New York Post reports Judge Lewis Liman found Bravo had a First Amendment right to require stars to drink to excess.
- Deadline mentions McSweeney also claimed there was a coordinated media attack against her.
Confirmed
- Leah McSweeney settled her lawsuit against Andy Cohen and Bravo.
- The lawsuit alleged producers encouraged her to resume drinking for ratings.
- McSweeney's attorney is Gary Adelman.
- The settlement was reached in late October 2026.
Reported
- The dismissal was filed with prejudice, preventing future lawsuits on these claims. (Us Weekly)
- Judge Lewis Liman ruled Bravo has a First Amendment right to require stars to drink to excess. (New York Post)
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