Leah McSweeney, a star of the popular reality television show "Real Housewives Of New York," has reportedly filed a lawsuit against Andy Cohen, Bravo, and other associated entities.
The suit alleges that the defendants exploited her known struggle with alcohol addiction to boost the show's ratings.
According to People magazine, McSweeney claims that Cohen and Bravo were fully aware of her battle with alcohol addiction and her history of severe mental health issues when she joined the show. She alleges that they capitalized on her vulnerability by supplying abundant quantities of alcohol and drugs on set, leading to her eventual breakdown. This, she claims, was done to generate sensational scenes that would increase viewership.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, reportedly names Cohen, Bravo Media, NBC Universal Media, Warner Bros. Discovery, and production company Shed Media US as defendants. Producers John Paparazzo, Lisa Shannon, and Darren Ward are also named in the suit.
The 109-page complaint alleges that the defendants fostered a "rotted" workplace culture in which employees were routinely pressured to consume alcohol. McSweeney claims that the producers discriminated against her addiction and mental health condition by "intentionally planning scenarios intended to exacerbate [her] disabilities," with the aim of creating "morbidly salacious reality television."
Furthermore, McSweeney alleges that Cohen "engages in cocaine use with Housewives and other Bravolebrities that he employs." She claims that those who partake in cocaine use with Cohen receive more favorable treatment and edits. She further alleges that "Cohen intentionally uses cocaine with his employees to further promote a workplace culture that thrives off drug and alcohol abuse," leading to a failure to accommodate employees who are disabled and attempting to remain substance-free.
The lawsuit comes amid a wave of legal troubles for Bravo, including allegations of drug and alcohol abuse and sexual harassment. This lawsuit was filed just days after another "Real Housewives" star, Brandi Glanville, accused Cohen of sexual harassment. Cohen has since responded to Glanville's claim, stating that his comment was made "in jest" but acknowledging that it was "inappropriate."
This story is still developing, and the implications of McSweeney's allegations against Cohen, Bravo, and the other defendants remain to be seen. As the case unfolds, it promises to shed light on the behind-the-scenes culture of one of television's most popular reality shows.
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