Real Housewives of New York (RHONY) star Leah McSweeney responded to Andy Cohen’s motion to pause the former’s lawsuit against him. On Monday, August 12, the actress’ attorney filed to oppose Cohen’s recent letter requesting a New York judge temporarily stop gathering evidence until a decision is made on his previous motion to dismiss her lawsuit entirely.
Earlier this year, McSweeney sued Bravo Media and its parent company, NBCUniversal, and Shed Media and its parent Warner Bros. Discovery for discrimination and pressuring her to abuse alcohol and drugs. The bombshell lawsuit also named Andy Cohen (executive producer), Darren Ward, John Paparazzo, and Lisa Shannon as individual defandants.
Following an independent investigation, in May Cohen filed to dismiss the suit, stating the allegations were “threadbare.” Leah’s lawyers state that Andy’s motion to pause should be denied as he failed to provide a “good cause,” calling it “premature.”
Leah McSweeney first filed the lawsuit against Andy Cohen in February 2024
In February 2024, Leah McSweeney filed a lawsuit accusing the defendants of encouraging RHONY cast members to take alcohol and drugs to boost ratings. This was particularly distressing for Leah, as she is a recovering alcoholic. Additionally, the actress claimed she was subjected to discrimination on the basis of her disability, s*x, religion, and a hostile work environment.
Cohen, at the time, categorically denied all allegations.
Per May 2024, Page Six, citing a spokesperson for Bravo Media, following the suit, its parent company underwent an independent investigation and found that McSweeney’s claims were false. At the time, Leah’s lawyer, Gary Adelman, told the publication:
“This is perfect timing. One line so they can repeat it to all the advertisers at the upfronts. How do you have an investigation without speaking with to anyone? As far as we know, no one ever contacted our firm. We look forward to reviewing all of the interviews, evidence and final reports of the investigation that (was) conducted, when we receive them during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.”
Following the investigation, Andy Cohen filed a motion to dismiss Leah McSweeney’s lawsuit, stating her claims were “threadbare” and should be “dismissed as a matter of law.” At the time, Adelman stated that the motion did not have “merit.” Leah amended her suit to claim Cohen and his lawyers publicly threatened her, criticized her, and tried to blacklist her in the industry.
On August 8, Andy Cohen wrote a letter requesting the judge to pause McSweeney’s lawsuit until a decision was made on his motion to dismiss. He reasoned that the RHONY star’s original complaint is “exceedingly lengthy, complex, and far-reaching,” adding that “any discovery sought will be broad and require extensive responses.”
Cohen’s letter noted that Leah “only seeks money damages” and “would not be prejudiced by a stay.” He explained that everyone involved in the case would need to devote substantial time and resources to the lawsuit, which was likely to be dismissed. He wrote:
“Notably, (she) already had the opportunity to supplement her pleadings following the filing of Defendants’ motion to dismiss the original Complaint, but she failed to correct any of the deficiencies.”
Leah McSweeney is not the only one who sued Andy Cohen (and other defenders). Other cast members, like Caroline Manzo and Brandi Glanville, also filed civil suits against him.