Reality television star Leah McSweeney has reached an out-of-court settlement with Bravo and executive producer Andy Cohen, resolving a high-profile legal battle that marked the network’s first courtroom showdown with a cast member.
McSweeney, who appeared on two seasons of “The Real Housewives of New York City” and one season of the spinoff “Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trust” (RHUGT), originally filed the lawsuit in January 2024. In her court filings, the fashion designer and founder of the streetwear label Married to the Mob alleged that network figures and producers intentionally preyed on her alcohol addiction. She claimed they attempted to trigger a relapse under the belief that her intoxication would generate higher television ratings.
The case advanced further than previous legal actions brought against the network by former cast members, such as Nene Leakes of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta.” In November 2024, McSweeney’s legal team took the suit into a courtroom, facing off against Bravo before U.S. District Judge Lewis Liman.
During the proceedings, Judge Liman found that Bravo possessed a First Amendment right to require its cast members to drink to excess. However, the judge also stated that he wanted the network to answer for the allegedly brutal methods used to encourage McSweeney’s consumption. Court documents detailed allegations that producers joked about her drinking issues in her presence despite requests to stop, taunted her about her alcohol use disorder, and attempted to undermine her sobriety through harassing comments. McSweeney also alleged that producers directed other cast members to bring up her mental health and substance abuse issues, call her a drug addict, and further disparage her. Additionally, the suit claimed that while she was assured she could attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings while filming the spinoff, she was barred from attending once she arrived on set.
McSweeney had maintained a 10-year sobriety streak before relapsing shortly before she began filming the Bravo show in 2019. Although she regained her sobriety prior to her second season, her court papers stated that she suffered severe psychological and emotional anguish throughout her tenure with the network.
The legal battle also involved contentious accusations outside the core substance abuse claims. McSweeney alleged in court papers that Cohen had snorted cocaine with favored cast members. Cohen vehemently denied the allegation through his attorney, characterizing the claim as a “shakedown” and demanding a retraction and public apology while accusing her of defamation. McSweeney issued no apology, and Cohen ultimately did not file a counter-suit.
Terms of the final settlement remain confidential, and financial figures have not been disclosed. Gary Adelman, an attorney representing McSweeney from the firm Adelman Matz, confirmed the resolution. “We are extremely satisfied with the outcome,” Adelman said, “and we are proud of Leah and her perseverance.”
Representatives for Bravo did not immediately respond to requests for comment following the announcement.
