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For years, reality TV fans have tuned in to watch the drama unfold on Bravo. The network is known for manufacturing some tense but comical moments. Not every minute is funny for the reality TV stars who have appeared on The Real Housewives; several have filed lawsuits against the network. There have been four lawsuits filed against the network, and there are ongoing threats of additional lawsuits.
NeNe Leakes is the first housewife to file a lawsuit against
NeNe Leakes was the first housewife to blow the whistle on Bravo. In an April 2022 filing in federal court, Leakes said the network fostered a culture that allowed racially offensive behavior. In her filing, Leakes said the network and Andy Cohen were aware of racist comments made by Kim Zolciak‑Biermann. She went on to claim they did nothing about it and instead encouraged a hostile work environment. Leakes left the series.
Leakes withdrew her lawsuit in August 2022. She can refile later if she so chooses. It is unclear why she dismissed the suit.
Leah McSweeney’s case has been the most public
While NeNe Leakes was the first housewife to file a lawsuit against Bravo, her filing isn’t the most public, dramatic, or tense. That distinction goes to Leah McSweeney. McSweeney, who appeared on The Real Housewives of New York City, filed a lawsuit against the network in March 2023.
In her filing, which names Bravo and NBC Universal, as well as several executives, including Andy Cohen, as defendants, McSweeney claims a hostile work environment was encouraged. According to Vanity Fair, McSweeney claims she was discriminated against and the subject of retaliation because of her mental health struggles and substance abuse disorder. She more recently claimed that Cohen had launched a smear campaign against her. The case is ongoing.
Caroline Manzo took her complaints to court, too
Caroline Manzo’s lawsuit was filed after months of drama ensured that one season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip will likely never see the light of day. In January 2024, former RHONJ star Caroline Manzo filed a lawsuit against Bravo, NBCUniversal, Warner Bros., Shed Media, Forest Productions, and Peacock.
In the lawsuit, Manzo claims Bravo fostered and encouraged a hostile environment that led to sexual harassment. She accused Brandi Glanville, who was Manzo’s co-star, of unwanted sexual advances and said the network encouraged it. The case is still active. Glanville has spoken out against both Manzo and Bravo.
Brit Eady is seeking damages for her disastrous rookie season on ‘The Real Housewives of Atlanta’
Brit Eady, a housewife for just a single season, filed a lawsuit against the network just days ago. The June 5 filing names Bravo, NBCUniversal, and production companies True Original and Endemol Shine as defendants. Eady is seeking $20 million in damages and is asking that the network remove an episode of The Real Housewives of Atlanta from rotation. The episode features alleged intimate photos of the star.
In her filing, Eady alleges defamation, emotional distress, and sexual harassment. She also accuses the network of fostering a hostile work environment. The RHOA rookie’s lawsuit was far from unexpected. After all, Kenya Moore claimed to have intimate photos of the reality TV newbie, and she shared them during a spa opening. Bravo filmed the moment and aired it despite Eady’s protests and claims that the photos were fake. Eady filed her suit on the same day the RHOA cast gathered to film their reunion special. She did not attend. Moore was disinvited from the event.
Brandi Glanville is still threatening to go after the network
While there are four current lawsuits against Bravo, other housewives have spoken out with claims of hostile work environments and sexual harassment. Brandi Glanville, who is at the center of Manzo’s claims against the network, also threatened to file suit. In 2024, her lawyer sent a demand letter to the network. According to People, Glanville accused Andy Cohen of sending her sexually explicit content. She also threatened the network with a legal filing over the Carolina Manzo situation, but has yet to do so.
Other housewives, including Bethenny Frankel, have spoken against the network, Andy Cohen, and practices they believe might be detrimental to reality TV stars. With that being said, Cohen also has a good deal of support, with plenty of cast members stepping forward to defend him and Bravo. Still, four lawsuits and the threat of another feels like a lot to have going at one time.
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