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Andy Cohen isn’t typically recognized for a peace-making demeanor when it comes to his rivals.
Recently, however, it appears that the Bravo executive is on a mission to mend bygone disputes and rectify past misunderstandings. He’s been making amends with former “Real Housewives” stars Carole Radziwill and Nene Leakes, in addition to Kathy Griffin, who succeeded him as CNN’s New Year’s Eve host.
While it might seem like Cohen received a visit from some Christmas ghosts, insiders suggest something more strategic might be happening. A source close to Bravo speculates that the reconciliations could be linked to a legal matter involving Leah McSweeney, a former “Real Housewives” star, which is currently under judicial review.
“He’s definitely concerned about that lawsuit,” the insider commented.
In a 2024 legal filing, Leah McSweeney accused the show’s producers of exploiting her struggles with alcohol addiction, allegedly pushing her towards relapse to boost ratings. Bravo has denied any misconduct.
A judge dismissed parts of the suit but kept much of her case in tact, including her allegation that “producers directly coerced and harassed [her] based on her [addiction].” It’s expected to become the first suit filed against the network by one of its former stars to be heard in open court.
In the suit, McSweeney famously accused Cohen of doing cocaine with select “Housewives.” Griffin has publicly accused Cohen of cocaine use, claiming in 2017 that on an unspecified date he offered her a line before she went on his talk show. (Cohen has denied all the cocaine accusations.) Radziwill was close with Cohen during much of the time relevant to the suit.
Meanwhile, Leakes — who also sued Bravo for discrimination — is working for the network again with no public explanation about how she came to forgive it. Bravo told us, “As previously stated, there was an outside investigation into those allegations made by Leah McSweeney against Andy Cohen and the claims were found to be unsubstantiated.”