Leah McSweeney, star of Real Housewives of New York City, has dropped serious allegations against Andy Cohen in a recent court filing that claims the Bravo executive used his power to launch a “coordinated attack” to discredit her after she accused him of cocaine use and pressuring cast members.
According to McSweeney’s lawsuit filed in New York Supreme Court obtained by Page Six, Andy Cohen “either directly requested or induced current and former ‘Real Housewives’ cast members” to publicly attack her character and “propensity for truthfulness.” The court papers say this campaign aimed to “cast Leah McSweeney as a liar” and that it involved more than 20 Bravo stars, including Luann de Lesseps, Kyle Richards, Melissa Gorga, Kandi Burruss, and Dorinda Medley.
The lawsuit specifically calls out Lisa Vanderpump, who reportedly declared on The Talk, “I’m on [Cohen’s] side.” Heather Dubrow of Real Housewives of Orange County is quoted as saying on her podcast that McSweeney should be “thanking” Bravo because she is “making money and thriving because of this platform” — despite suing the network. Dubrow also admitted she was “irritated” by McSweeney’s lawsuit. Meanwhile, Margaret Josephs of Real Housewives of New Jersey told Page Six that McSweeney’s claims are “[intended to do] nothing but to assassinate [Cohen’s] character and that is disgusting.”
The filing alleges that “in each case the star would not have made [the] statement but for Cohen’s direction and/or inducement,” underscoring the claim that these attacks were orchestrated retaliation.
This is part of McSweeney’s broader argument that Andy Cohen retaliated against her for filing the suit, which also includes claims that Cohen snorted cocaine with cast members and pressured her to relapse. The lawsuit states that after McSweeney publicly made these allegations, Cohen demanded she retract her claims or face defamation action, a move she describes as further retaliation.
The court papers also cite several former cast members who have accused Cohen of drug use. McSweeney references an unnamed duo who privately confirmed Cohen’s cocaine use, former cast member NeNe Leakes calling him a “cocaine head,” Danielle Staub stating Cohen does “drugs,” and comedian Kathy Griffin claiming Cohen offered her cocaine.
Cohen has “strenuously denies all wrongdoing,” but the legal battle continues to unfold. The suit was partially dismissed in March 2025, with some claims allowed to proceed and further evidence requested, particularly on the retaliation allegations.
As this explosive lawsuit gains traction, it raises uncomfortable questions about power dynamics, drug use, and the behind-the-scenes reality of Bravo’s hit franchise.
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