Lisa Vanderpump Stands by Andy Cohen Amid Allegations from RHONY’s Leah McSweeney: Strongly Dismisses Claims
Lisa Vanderpump shows unwavering support for Andy Cohen in light of 'RHONY' star Leah McSweeney's legal action against him and Bravo, challenging the accusations of a toxic work environment.
Lisa Vanderpump Defends Andy Cohen Amid RHONY Leah McSweeney Lawsuit
Lisa Vanderpump, Andy Cohen, Leah McSweeney NBC/Getty Images
Lisa Vanderump recently supported Andy Cohen after he faced accusations in a lawsuit from former Real Housewives of New York star Leah McSweeney.
In a conversation with TMZ on Saturday, March 2, Vanderpump, who is 63 years old, responded to the claims made by McSweeney, who is 41. She addressed allegations that Cohen, 55, and Bravo showed bias by giving special treatment, such as positive edits, to Housewives who partook in alcohol and drugs with him.
Lisa Vanderpump, a former star of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, confidently stated that no one receives a fair edit on the show. She also dismissed rumors about Andy Cohen using cocaine, emphasizing that she has never witnessed such behavior during their interactions. Vanderpump firmly asserted that the allegations against Cohen are baseless and lacking evidence. She described the lawsuit as nonsense and emphasized the importance of not believing everything that is said.
McSweeney filed a civil suit on Tuesday, February 27, claiming that she experienced discrimination. The lawsuit alleges that Cohen, Bravo, NBCUniversal, Shed Media U, and producers John Paparazzo, Lisa Shannon, and Darren Ward discriminated against her. They allegedly tormented, demoralized, demeaned, harassed, and retaliated against McSweeney because she is a woman with disabilities, including alcohol use disorder and various mental health disorders, all in the name of selling drama.
Lisa Vanderpump Defends Andy Cohen Amid RHONY Leah McSweeney Lawsuit
Andy Cohen, as per court documents, was accused by McSweeney of using cocaine with 'Housewives' and other Bravolebrities he works with. It was also claimed that Cohen gives better treatment and edits to Housewives who use cocaine with him.
I know Andy Cohen well. He may do his edible things, but he definitely does not do coke. I have seen others do it, but not him. That's for sure," Vanderpump shared with TMZ. "I have been on that show. If you want to drink, you drink. No one is pressuring you. I don't understand that. Take responsibility for your actions."
In contrast, McSweneey's lawsuit described Bravo's workplace culture as toxic, where employees were pressured to consume alcohol.
When McSweeney joined RHONY in 2019, she was 30 days sober and determined to maintain her sobriety. She felt that producers tried to make her drink, even when she wanted to stay sober. She also mentioned that they did not provide the necessary support for her to stay sober and perform well on the show.
Cohen, on the other hand, denied these accusations. According to a representative who spoke to The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, February 28, the claims against Andy are completely untrue.
McSweeney’s lawsuit against Cohen follows accusations made by Brandi Glanville, a former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills cast member, claiming that Cohen sexually harassed her. Glanville alleged that Cohen expressed interest in sleeping with another Bravo star while also thinking about her. Cohen has since apologized for his remarks.
In response to the accusations, Cohen explained that a video featuring him, Kate Chastain, and Brandi was meant as a joke. He acknowledged that the comments were inappropriate and apologized for them. Cohen emphasized that Brandi's response in the video indicated that she was also participating in the joke.
