Leah McSweeney, a prominent star from The Real Housewives of New York City, has secured partial approval from the courts to advance with certain legal claims against Andy Cohen and several other parties, according to a report by Courthouse News Service. On March 31, 2025, a significant 100-page ruling was handed down addressing a motion to dismiss McSweeney’s lawsuit, which she initially filed in February 2024.
McSweeney’s lawsuit posits that she faced undue pressure to consume alcohol while working on both The Real Housewives of New York City and The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. Notably, she has publicly battled alcohol use disorder and mental health issues, and she alleges that these conditions were both exacerbated and exploited in a hostile work environment.
Key Legal Developments for Leah McSweeney
While many aspects of her lawsuit were dismissed, the ruling permitted three significant disability-related claims to proceed. This includes allegations of a hostile work environment, failure to accommodate her disabilities, and retaliation. Notably, the lawsuit also names major players such as Bravo Media, NBC Universal, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Shed Media as defendants.
“They had a corresponding right to cast only persons who could consume large quantities of alcohol,” a section of the ruling stated.
The ruling emphasizes that such rights do not exempt defendants from adhering to existing legal standards regarding workplace conduct, especially concerning disability protections.
Claims Moving Forward
The judge’s decision highlights that while many of McSweeney’s claims were either entirely or partially dismissed, three critical disability-related claims remain active. These claims focus on a hostile work environment, failure to accommodate her disability, and an act of retaliation.
McSweeney’s lawsuit paints a concerning picture of a workplace culture where she alleges that producers “taunted” and harassed her about her struggles with mental health and addiction. The ruling clarifies that despite the show’s creative nature being protected by the First Amendment, such protections do not exempt producers from following laws that govern conduct on the set.
The court affirmed McSweeney’s right to pursue her retaliation claim, pointing out that her alleged removal from future castings occurred shortly after she made a complaint to human resources. Relatedly, the judge noted,
“Cohen texted Plaintiff to that effect on November 10, 2022,”
indicating a potential link between her complaint and subsequent actions taken against her.
Additionally, McSweeney’s claims regarding the denial of accommodations are progressing. She contends that during the filming of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip: Thailand, producers failed to facilitate her attendance at Alcoholics Anonymous meetings, crucial for her recovery process. With these claims surviving, McSweeney’s case is set to enter the discovery phase, compelling all parties to exchange evidence, including internal communications.
Dismissing Other Claims
While the judge allowed crucial disability-related claims to continue, other allegations, particularly those concerning discrimination in casting, were dismissed. The ruling supports the producers’ constitutional rights to curate the show’s creative direction, which includes a preference for casting participants who drink alcohol.
“They had a First Amendment right to choose to make a show that celebrated a party life and the drinking of alcohol,” the judge pronounced.
The court argued that casting individuals who could fake drinking but self-impose limits would not fulfill the authenticity the show is known for. Thus, the decision to not renew McSweeney’s contract is considered lawful within the framework of the show’s established format and intent.
While several of McSweeney’s allegations did not meet the threshold for further legal scrutiny, the active claims shed light on how producers managed her off-camera requirements related to her medical condition.
Fans can currently catch up with the latest season, as episodes of The Real Housewives of New York City Season 15 are streaming on Bravo.