Former Real Housewives of New York star Leah McSweeney is intensifying her legal battle against Bravo boss Andy Cohen, alleging he orchestrated a smear campaign to ruin her credibility.
In court documents filed in New York, McSweeney claims Cohen “directly requested or induced” over 20 current and former Housewives to attack her, casting her as a liar publicly. The lawsuit cites several stars allegedly involved, including RHONY stars Dorinda Medley and Luann de Lesseps, RHOBH star Kyle Richards, RHONJ’s Melissa Gorga, and Atlanta Housewife Kandi Burruss.
She also claims that Lisa Vanderpump supported Cohen on The Talk, Heather Dubrow mocked the lawsuit on her podcast, and Margaret Josephs called McSweeney’s claims a “disgusting” hit on Cohen.
McSweeney argues these statements wouldn’t have been made without Cohen’s influence.
McSweeney claims the alleged retaliation began after she accused Cohen of using cocaine with cast members and pressuring her to relapse. After going public, Cohen allegedly demanded a retraction and threatened legal action.
Her lawsuit also references past claims from other Bravo stars, including NeNe Leakes, Danielle Staub, and Kathy Griffin, who have all accused Cohen of drug use. An unnamed duo also reportedly corroborated those allegations in private.
Cohen has denied all allegations made against him in McSweeney’s lawsuit, which has already been partially dismissed.
