Andy Cohen's team is speaking out after “Real Housewives” star Leah McSweeney sued the Bravo television personality and NBCUniversal for fostering a “dangerous work environment” and “substance abuse.”
In a statement shared with The Times on Wednesday, a rep for Cohen said, “the allegations against Andy are completely false.” The response made no direct mention of McSweeney, who filed the lawsuit Tuesday in federal court in New York, or his allegations.
It is also taking legal action against unscripted television outlet Shed Media US and producers John Paparazzo, Lisa Shannon and Darren Ward, The Times has learned.
McSweeney shared news of her lawsuit Tuesday night, telling her Instagram followers in a statement that “your favorite Bravo shows are run by people who create a dangerous work environment, encourage substance abuse to artificially create drama and they cynically take advantage of the vulnerabilities of their colleagues.” employees.”
In her statement, which did not mention Cohen, McSweeney criticized the bosses of the “Real Housewives” franchise for allegedly creating a “workplace culture where toxicity, alcoholism and pain are not only expected, but encouraged.” encourage and facilitate. The 41-year-old fashion designer, who previously opened up about her struggle with addiction, said the alleged behind-the-scenes substance abuse “is something I definitely didn't sign up for.”
And he added: “There is nothing more important than my sobriety, without it I run the risk of losing everything.”
In the 109-page lawsuit, reviewed by The Times, McSweeney alleges that “Housewives” producers were aware of her battle with addiction and mental health disorders, but discriminated against her by “intentionally planning scenarios intended to exacerbate [her] disabilities.” McSweeney's complaint also alleges that Cohen “consumes cocaine” with other “Housewives” stars, Bravo personalities and “his employees.”
The lawsuit alleges that the television host's alleged cocaine use promotes “a work culture that thrives on drug and alcohol abuse,” a culture that McSweeney says is ill-suited to disabled employees trying to remain free of drugs.
The “Housewives” franchise has been embroiled in a web of accusations in recent months. Last week, Cohen allegedly faced sexual harassment allegations from former “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” cast member Brandi Glanville. Page Six reported on Feb. 22 that Glanville's legal team sent a letter to Cohen, alleging that in 2022 he sent the former model a video of himself “obviously intoxicated” talking about wanting to engage in sexual acts with another Bravo personality.
In response to the allegations, Cohen published in X: “It was absolutely a joke, and Brandi's response clearly communicated that she was in on the joke. That being said, it was totally inappropriate and I apologize.”
And before coming forward with her own sexual assault allegations, Glanville was accused in January of sexual harassment and assault by “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip” co-star Caroline Manzo.
McSweeney officially joined the main cast of “RHONY” in 2020 for season 12, but apparently confirmed her departure from the series two years later. In 2022, she shared a TikTok video in which she refers to herself as “a former 'Real Housewife of New York'.”
The “Chaos Theory” author said on Instagram that she hopes her lawsuit will help reality TV return to its roots: “To authentically represent the complexities of life while offering genuine support to those who share their stories.”
He added: “Bravo can try to manipulate my reality and everyone else's reality all he wants, but the cold, hard facts of this case are as real as they come.”
McSweeney is seeking an unspecified amount in damages, including payment for legal fees, lost wages, and mental and emotional anguish. She seeks a jury trial.
A legal representative for McSweeney did not immediately respond to the Times' request for comment.
Times researcher Cary Schneider contributed to this report.
