Overview
- U.S. District Judge Lewis A. Liman ruled that Bravo and Andy Cohen waived arbitration by first litigating in federal court, writing they sought to “have their cake and eat it too.”
- The case will proceed in the Southern District of New York, with discovery expected to place internal communications and documents on the public record.
- McSweeney’s complaint alleges disability discrimination, a hostile work environment, and pressure to drink on camera despite her alcohol use disorder and mental‑health history.
- The suit also accuses Cohen of drug use with some cast members and favoritism, allegations he and the defendants reject while characterizing McSweeney as an independent contractor.
- McSweeney called the decision a “huge ruling” and said the case has been emotionally draining; she first filed the lawsuit in February 2024 and later expanded it to include additional figures and companies.