Andy Cohen Fires Back at Leah McSweeney’s “Categorically False” Cocaine Allegations

Miu von Furstenberg 4 Min Read
Andy Cohen USA - NBCUniversal Cable TCA Winter 2017 - Pasadena
Andy Cohen at the NBC/Universal Cable TCA Winter 2017 at Langham Hotel on January 17, 2017 in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Carrie Nelson)

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Andy Cohen, who is known for his involvement in the Real Housewives franchise, has responded to former Real Housewives of New York star Leah McSweeney's lawsuit. In the lawsuit, filed in February, McSweeney claimed that Cohen and Bravo, the network behind the show, discriminated against her and deliberately created situations on the show that triggered her past struggles with substance abuse. She also accused Cohen of using cocaine with the Housewives he is closest with.

According to a letter obtained by TMZ, Cohen's lawyers addressed McSweeney's team and stated that her accusations are filled with untrue, insulting, and damaging remarks.

Andy Cohen Lincoln Centers American Songbook Gala in NYC
Andy Cohen at Lincoln Center's American Songbook Gala held at Alice Tully Hall in New York City. (Photo by: Dennis Van Tine/ STAR MAX)

The letter states that all claims made about Cohen in the complaint are untrue and will be proven as such if this unfounded lawsuit continues. It is requested that all accusations regarding Cohen's supposed involvement in “cocaine use,” including the claim that he partakes in this activity with Housewives and other “Bravolebrities” whom he employs, be retracted and withdrawn immediately.

According to the letter, Cohen denies ever using cocaine with any cast member from a Real Housewives show or any other Bravo employee. The accusations were evidently fabricated by the recipient and/or their client in order to generate sensationalized content for tabloids. It is believed that these false accusations, along with other untruths in the complaint, were intended to be used as leverage for an unwarranted settlement, but this will not be the case.

Andy Cohen Tom Ford AutumnWinter 2020 Fashion Show - Arrivals
Tom Ford: Autumn/Winter 2020 Fashion Show held at Milk Studios on February 7, 2020 in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States. (Photo by Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency)

According to his lawyers, it is requested that you promptly retract your statement and offer a public apology to Mr. Cohen. Failure to do so will only further harm Mr. Cohen's reputation.

Cast members from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and RHONJ, Brandi Glanville and Caroline Manzo, have both initiated legal action against Bravo and Andy Cohen. Glanville has accused Cohen of sexual harassment, while Manzo has filed a lawsuit against Bravo and accused Glanville of sexual assault. The legal action was recently brought to light and has garnered attention from media outlets.

According to McSweeney's publicist, Sarah M. Matz, McSweeney's attorney, released a statement in reaction to Cohen's comments, which was given to TMZ.

Andy Cohen USA - NBCUniversal Cable TCA Winter 2017 - Pasadena
Andy Cohen at the NBC/Universal Cable TCA Winter 2017 at Langham Hotel on January 17, 2017 in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Carrie Nelson)

According to Matz, it is not surprising that Andy Cohen had his legal team and public relations representatives draft a letter with a threatening tone to present to the media. Matz believes that Cohen is known for using his influence in the media to intimidate individuals, such as Ms. McSweeney, in order to prevent them from speaking out. Matz also claims that Cohen's actions of discrediting and intimidating McSweeney are a form of retaliation, which is the very issue that this lawsuit aims to address. Therefore, this serves as additional proof of Cohen's mistreatment of Ms. McSweeney.

Matz's statement concludes by stating that the issue will not be publicly disputed. If Mr. Cohen chooses to respond to Ms. McSweeney's allegations, it would be best to do so in a legal setting rather than through a letter to the media.


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