Kelly Ripa is defending her longtime friend Andy Cohen after he was accused of doing cocaine with Bravo stars in a lawsuit filed by Real Housewives of New York alum Leah McSweeney. Ripa, along with Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kyle Richards, spoke out on the allegations on Ripa’s podcast “Let’s Talk Off Camera.” Ripa expressed her disbelief, stating that she has never seen any drugs around Cohen and has only seen him act professionally. Richards also expressed her anger and sadness over the accusations, highlighting the dangerous nature of making such claims in today’s society.
In addition to the drug allegations, McSweeney also claimed that Cohen created a toxic workplace culture, played favorites with those who partied with him, and pressured her to drink alcohol despite her efforts to maintain sobriety. She alleged that producers retaliated against her when she wanted to stay sober and failed to provide reasonable accommodations to support her sobriety. Cohen’s representative responded to these allegations, calling them “completely false.”
Several other stars came to Cohen’s defense amid the accusations. Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira stated that she had never been offered anything but good hospitality by Cohen. Luann de Lesseps, who went through a sobriety journey on Bravo cameras, also defended Cohen, stating that no one can be forced to drink and that it is not in his character to be involved in drug abuse. McSweeney’s lawyer, Gary Adelman, responded to the support for Cohen, stating that more lawsuits are coming and more people will speak out, and that ultimately the law will decide the validity of the claims.
The allegations against Cohen have sparked controversy within the Bravo community, with some supporting him and others believing the claims made by McSweeney. Ripa and Richards’ defense of Cohen reflects the loyalty and support they have for their friend. The conflicting narratives around the workplace culture and drug allegations have created a divide among viewers and fans of the Bravo network. The response from Bravo stars and fans highlights the importance of accountability and transparency in the entertainment industry, especially when it comes to issues of substance abuse and workplace behavior.
As the legal battle continues and more people come forward with their experiences, the truth behind the allegations against Cohen will come to light. The support for Cohen from his friends and fellow Bravo stars showcases the complexity of navigating relationships and loyalty in the face of controversy. Ultimately, the resolution of this lawsuit will depend on the legal system and the evidence presented, rather than personal opinions or public statements. The outcome of this case will have implications for the entertainment industry and the standards of behavior expected from those in positions of power and influence.
