Leah McSweeney, a former star of *The Real Housewives of New York City (RHONY)*, has resolved a significant tax debt that was linked to her earnings from the reality television series. According to her representative, the matter was settled following the filing of a federal tax lien by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on March 11, 2024.
The lien indicated that McSweeney, aged 43, owed taxes for the years 2018, 2021, and 2022. Although specific details regarding the payment were not disclosed, McSweeney’s spokesperson confirmed that the issue has been resolved. Reports suggest that during her first season on *RHONY*, she earned approximately $3,000 per episode, totaling around $60,000. Following negotiations for her second season, McSweeney reportedly secured a salary increase to $10,000 per episode.
This is not the first time McSweeney has faced tax issues. In December 2018, she was subjected to a federal tax lien regarding a $17,778 bill for the years 2014, 2016, and 2017. That lien was released in January 2025, shortly before the new lien was filed.
Legal Challenges Against Bravo and Andy Cohen
Amid her financial challenges, McSweeney is currently involved in a legal battle against Bravo and its executive producer, Andy Cohen. In a federal lawsuit, she claims that producers pressured her to consume alcohol even after she disclosed her sobriety. The lawsuit alleges that Cohen engaged in inappropriate behavior by rewarding cast members who used cocaine with preferential treatment and editing.
Cohen’s representative has categorically denied these allegations, stating, “The claims against Andy are completely false.” McSweeney’s lawsuit further describes what she refers to as a “rotted workplace culture” at Bravo, one that allegedly relies on pressuring employees to consume alcohol. She asserts that producers retaliated against her when she chose to maintain her sobriety, failing to provide reasonable accommodations to support her efforts.
In response to the claims, a spokesperson for Bravo stated on May 9, 2024, that an external investigation found McSweeney’s allegations to be “unsubstantiated.” McSweeney’s lawyer, Gary Adelman, criticized the investigation’s credibility, questioning the thoroughness of the inquiry, and expressed eagerness to review the findings during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
Recently, a federal judge allowed three of McSweeney’s disability claims to proceed while dismissing others. As this legal matter unfolds, McSweeney remains active on social media, sharing personal updates, including a caption on a recent Instagram post that read, “Just a baddie that ruined your favorite franchise.”
The ongoing legal and financial struggles of Leah McSweeney highlight the complexities faced by reality television stars, particularly in balancing public personas with personal challenges. The outcome of her legal battles will likely have significant implications for her future in the industry.