Meghan King shared her thoughts on Leah McSweeney's lawsuit against Andy Cohen and Bravo. When King signed her contract to be on the Real Housewives, she remembers it being a standard contract for all the franchises. The contract explicitly stated that the footage could be manipulated, spliced, and used however the producers wanted. King expressed that signing the contract meant giving up control over the footage, and questioned whether it was fair. This, she believes, is a separate issue that warrants further discussion.
The Real Housewives of Orange County alum mentioned that when she and her Real Housewives colleagues signed their contracts and entered the world of reality TV, they were aware of what it entailed. Even though King enjoys the fun aspect of reality TV, she believes there should be a discussion about unscripted programming that looks at the bigger picture.
She emphasized that the focus shouldn't be on Andy Cohen, Bravo, or the Real Housewives. Instead, the conversation should revolve around the ethics of reality TV and its long-term impact on our psyche, royalties, and other related factors.
Last month, McSweeney, 41, filed a lawsuit against Cohen, 55, and Bravo. The RHONY alum claimed she was pressured to drink alcohol while filming despite her choice to be sober.
In King’s experience, she shared that the pressure she felt to drink on camera came from a “typical societal and peer pressure” mindset rather than producers. “If I’m going to go to a happy hour with girlfriends to celebrate a birthday, I’m going to feel like I should have a drink. Is anybody telling me to, does anybody care if I do? Absolutely not,” she explained. “But that’s what I’m doing. That’s how I’m showing up. So I think that’s a personal willpower type of thing.”
King emphasized the importance of respecting and honoring the decision of individuals battling addiction to abstain. She also highlighted the need to provide help to those who seek it. However, she believes that the show's production team should not bear the entire responsibility.
RHOC s Meghan King Weighs In on the Andy Cohen Lawsuit You Have to Sign Your Life Away 956
Despite the accusations made by McSweeney against Cohen, King stood up for the Bravo executive and mentioned that he had always been very supportive towards her. She also shared a story about how Cohen came to the defense of Gina Kirschenheiter, who is also sober, during the filming of an episode of Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen. The trio were playing a drinking game called "Shots Ski" and Cohen addressed a mix-up with the cocktails to production during a break.
Andy was quick to defend the sober person during the commercial break, emphasizing the importance of not compromising their sobriety. This incident showed a different side of him, contrary to what King had previously read.
King, who appeared on three seasons of RHOC, has since taken a step back from reality TV. She is now focusing on her passion for real estate, having obtained her real estate license in Missouri. Currently, she is working as a concierge agent in various locations across the country.
She shared that she can work with anyone from anywhere in the United States or around the world. They utilize her as a concierge agent, where she connects them with an agent in their area. Clients can then contact her via FaceTime or text 24/7 for advice or a second opinion.
Additionally, King is currently working on a memoir where she reflects on overcoming adversity in her life.
Editor's P/S:
Meghan King's perspective on the Leah McSweeney lawsuit highlights the complex issues surrounding reality TV. While acknowledging the explicit contractual agreement surrendering control over footage, King questions its fairness and raises concerns about the long-term impact on individuals' well-being and the ethics of unscripted programming.
King's personal experiences on "The Real Housewives of Orange County" suggest that pressure to drink on camera often stems from societal norms rather than direct producer influence. However, she emphasizes the importance of respecting those struggling with addiction and providing support. While producers may not be solely responsible for individuals' actions, King believes the industry needs to be held accountable for its potential impact on mental health and the portrayal of substance use. Bravo executive. King's journey beyond reality TV and her current work as a concierge agent and author showcase her resilience and commitment to personal growth and empowerment.