A judge has ruled that Real Housewives of New York City star Leah McSweeney can continue her lawsuit against Bravo.
In February 2024, McSweeney sued the network, claiming producers took advantage of her struggles with alcohol addiction, trying to make her relapse for the sake of higher ratings. Bravo attempted to get the case dismissed in May.
On Monday, a judge issued a 100-page ruling that dismissed some parts of the lawsuit but allowed key claims to move forward, including McSweeney’s allegation that producers coerced and harassed her because of her addiction.
Judge Lewis Liman did agree with Bravo that drinking is a central part of the show and that producers have a First Amendment right to portray alcohol consumption as authentic.
However, he ruled that McSweeney can still sue over how the network handled her sobriety.
The judge noted that McSweeney claims producers mocked her drinking issues despite her objections, taunted her about her addiction, encouraged cast members to bring up her mental health struggles, and even coached them to call her a drug addict.
Bravo will have to respond to these allegations in court.
Additionally, McSweeney can move forward with claims that, while preparing for RHONY spin-off Ultimate Girls Trip, producers originally said she could attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings during filming but later went back on their word.
McSweeney was a cast member on RHONY from 2021 to 2022.
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