Real Housewives star Leah McSweeney’s lawsuit against Andy Cohen and Bravo will proceed in public courtroom, judge rules
Leah McSweeney filed a lawsuit in 2024 against Andy Cohen, Bravo, and affiliated companies, claiming they exploited her struggles with alcohol addiction for entertainment value on The Real Housewives of New York City.
A federal judge recently ruled that the case will remain in public court rather than private arbitration, noting that Cohen and Bravo delayed their arbitration request after already engaging in litigation.
The judge criticized the defendants for attempting to avoid civil discovery, saying they had “waived” that right by first fighting the case in court.
In her filings, McSweeney alleged that Bravo producers knowingly placed her in situations that worsened her alcohol use disorder to generate sensational television.
She also accused Cohen of using cocaine with cast members and rewarding those who participated with favorable treatment and edits.
Further claims in 2025 filings stated Cohen orchestrated a media campaign to discredit her, encouraging other Housewives stars to publicly question her honesty in order to gain his favor and advance their own careers.
The court has allowed several of McSweeney’s disability-related claims to move forward while dismissing others. NBC’s lawyers argued her experiences were typical of reality TV and protected under free speech, while McSweeney’s attorney countered that Bravo profited from showcasing her struggles.
The case continues under Judge Lewis J. Liman, who acknowledged his unfamiliarity with the Housewives franchise.
McSweeney herself described the process as emotionally draining, emphasizing that reality television may appear entertaining but can conceal harmful practices that should not be normalized.
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