Melissa Gorga and Luann de Lesseps Stand by Andy Cohen Amid Leah McSweeney's Legal Battle

Melissa Gorga and Luann De Lesseps Share Their Support for Andy Cohen After Leah McSweeney Lawsuit

Melissa Gorga, Luann De Lesseps, Andy Cohen, Leah McSweeney. Getty Images(4)

Melissa Gorga and Luann de Lesseps are standing up for Andy Cohen amidst the claims brought up in Leah McSweeney’s lawsuit.

“I’ve had the pleasure of attending personal social dinners with Andy several times. He has always been respectful and appropriate,” Gorga, 44, shared on her “On Display With Melissa Gorga” podcast episode on Thursday, March 7. “Andy is undeniably a fun guy. That’s why we all adore him. He has a great personality.”

Gorga shared her belief that Cohen, 55, would never offer any of his staff or the Real Housewives stars any type of drug. De Lesseps, 58, also agreed that she didn't believe the allegations against the Bravo exec.

"I've known Andy for a long time... since the very beginning. Like I said, it's been 16 years and it's just not his character," De Lesseps said. "He's not going to be that stupid to start offering things to Housewives."

Gorga and de Lesseps were discussing the recent accusations made by McSweeney, 41, against Cohen and Bravo. McSweeney, a former cast member of The Real Housewives of New York, filed a lawsuit in February alleging that the network encouraged its stars to drink alcohol during filming.

During the filming of RHONY, McSweeney was sober and wanted to maintain that lifestyle. According to court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, she stated that producers pressured her to drink and did not provide the necessary support for her to stay sober and perform at her best.

Melissa Gorga and Luann De Lesseps Share Their Support for Andy Cohen After Leah McSweeney Lawsuit

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McSweeney claimed that Cohen not only drinks excessively but also uses cocaine with certain Bravo personalities, rewarding them with preferential treatment. Cohen has strongly refuted these accusations.

Although de Lesseps expressed empathy towards McSweeney and her challenges, she acknowledged that filming while sober was a completely different experience for her.

"I have my own experiences, just like Leah has hers. What Leah went through has never been something I've experienced. But God knows, we've been through similar situations," she told Gorga. "You were there with me on the first Ultimate Girls Trip. I didn't drink at all during that trip because I was sober."

Melissa Gorga and Luann De Lesseps Share Their Support for Andy Cohen After Leah McSweeney Lawsuit

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Gorga agreed that she remembered being on the show with de Lesseps and confirmed that she “didn’t have one sip of alcohol.”

"No one is making you drink. No one is making you consume alcohol," de Lesseps stated. "It's up to you whether or not you want to have a drink."

She acknowledged the social pressure to drink in certain situations, but emphasized that everyone has the freedom to choose not to participate and avoid putting themselves in that kind of situation.

Lisa Vanderpump also stood up for Andy Cohen, saying she thought Leah McSweeney's lawsuit was "nonsense."

Vanderpump, who knows Cohen well, mentioned that he may enjoy edibles but is not into cocaine. She shared with TMZ in February, "I've witnessed others using it, but Andy is not one of them. I have been on his show, and there is no pressure to drink. You make your own choices and should take responsibility for your actions."

Editor's P/S:

The allegations against Andy Cohen have sparked a heated debate, with fellow Housewives stars Melissa Gorga and Luann de Lesseps vehemently defending him. Gorga asserts that Cohen has always been respectful and appropriate in her interactions with him, while de Lesseps dismisses the claims as uncharacteristic of his nature. They emphasize that Cohen does not pressure anyone to consume alcohol and that individuals are responsible for their own choices.

The lawsuit filed by Leah McSweeney has raised concerns about the potential pressure and lack of support for sobriety within the filming environment of "The Real Housewives." McSweeney's allegations suggest that the network may prioritize entertainment value over the well-being of its cast members. Lisa Vanderpump's support for Cohen adds another perspective, suggesting that while drug use may occur within the show's circles, it is not condoned or encouraged by Cohen himself. These differing viewpoints highlight the complexity of the situation and the need for further investigation and dialogue to address the allegations and ensure a safe and supportive work environment for all involved.