Vicki Gunvalson Defends Andy Cohen Against Leah McSweeney's Lawsuit Over Alleged Substance Abuse on Reality TV

Vicki Gunvalson Slams Leah McSweeney s Dirty Lawsuit Against Andy Cohen and Bravo I Love Andy 860

Vicki Gunvalson, Andy Cohen, Leah McSweeney. Michael Tullberg/Getty Images ; Charles Sykes/Bravo ; John Nacion/WireImage

Vicki Gunvalson is supporting Andy Cohen in his legal battle with Real Housewives of New York City star Leah McSweeney. Gunvalson shared her thoughts at DirectTV's Oscars Viewing Party at Spago, Beverly Hills, on Sunday, March 10. Gunvalson mentioned that she doesn't have much information about the situation, but finds it crazy that Sweeney is suing Andy. Gunvalson expressed confusion as to why Sweeney is taking this action now and involving their bosses, as she was not present during the incident.

The former Real Housewives of Orange County star, who is considered an original cast member of the entire franchise, shared with Us that she has a great deal of respect and love for Cohen, 55. She also mentioned that their relationship has always been professional and important to her.

Gunvalson then expressed her opinion on McSweeney's lawsuit, describing it as "dirty." She also speculated that McSweeney may be attempting to gain financial compensation from the situation.

McSweeney, known for her appearances on RHONY and The Real Housewives: Ultimate Girls Trip, recently filed a civil lawsuit against Cohen and Bravo. She alleges that she was pressured to drink while filming, despite being sober when she joined the reality show.

According to court documents obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, Cohen is accused of using cocaine with Bravo stars and showing favoritism towards those who party with him. (Us has contacted Bravo for a response.)

McSweeney emphasized the significance of her sobriety, stating that it is crucial for her to maintain it in order to prevent any potential losses. In a heartfelt Instagram post on February 27, she acknowledged her past struggles with addiction and her journey towards recovery. Despite her previous reluctance to share certain personal details due to fear of judgment, she now feels empowered to face any challenges that may arise.

Vicki Gunvalson Slams Leah McSweeney s Dirty Lawsuit Against Andy Cohen and Bravo I Love Andy 859

McSweeney stated that she had been attempting to resolve her concerns about the on-set behavior internally for many years. However, she felt that her efforts were not taken seriously and she was constantly met with dismissal, obstruction, and gaslighting.

She continued to express her thoughts on the situation, stating that despite Bravo's attempts to manipulate reality, the cold hard facts of the case remain unchanged. She thanked her close friends, family, and @adelmanmatz for their unwavering support throughout this challenging journey, and made it clear that she is prepared to face the situation in court.

Fellow Bravolebrity Sutton Stracke also shared her perspective on the drama with Us on Sunday. She praised Andy for his gentlemanly behavior during her health scare on set, emphasizing his caring nature and intelligence. Sutton also noted that she has always felt comfortable and safe in Andy's presence, never experiencing any discomfort.

Stracke, who had a health scare during filming The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills season 13 reunion, mentioned that she doesn’t believe Cohen would ever reveal someone else’s personal information in that situation.

A spokesperson for Cohen addressed McSweeney’s lawsuit in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter last month, stating that her allegations are "completely untrue." Many Real Housewives cast members have come forward to support the Bravo executive, including Melissa Gorga.

"Of course, Andy is a fun guy! We all know and love him for his vibrant personality," shared the Real Housewives of New Jersey star on her podcast "On Display With Melissa Gorga" on March 7.

During the podcast, RHONY alum Luann De Lesseps mentioned, "[Andy] knows better than to start offering things to Housewives."

With reporting by Amanda Williams

Editor's P/S:

The legal battle between Andy Cohen and Leah McSweeney has sparked controversy and divided opinions within the Real Housewives community. Vicki Gunvalson's support for Cohen highlights the complex dynamics at play, as she expresses her belief in his integrity and professionalism. McSweeney's allegations of pressure to drink and favoritism raise concerns about the workplace culture at Bravo, while Sutton Stracke's positive experience with Cohen suggests a more nuanced reality.

It is important to note that the allegations made by McSweeney are serious and deserve to be thoroughly investigated. The well-being of cast members and the ethical standards of production companies should be paramount in the entertainment industry. As the legal proceedings unfold, it will be crucial for both sides to present their evidence and arguments in a fair and transparent manner, allowing for a just resolution that protects the integrity of all parties involved.