Kelly Ripa Stands Up for Andy Cohen Amid Drug Allegations: ‘I’m Deeply Offended by It’- Kelly Ripa, a longtime friend of Andy Cohen, has publicly defended Cohen amidst allegations made in a lawsuit filed by Real Housewives of New York alum Leah McSweeney. The lawsuit, filed on February 27, 2024, accused Cohen of engaging in cocaine use with Bravo stars and creating a toxic workplace environment by favoring those who partied with him.
During an episode of her podcast “Let’s Talk Off Camera,” Ripa expressed her deep offense and anger over the allegations. She shared her personal experiences with Cohen, stating, “I know him, like, off-camera. I know him privately. We’ve traveled together. We’ve gone on vacation together, like, pre-him having kids, you know?” Ripa emphasized that she had never seen drugs around Cohen, describing the allegations as “the most… I’m so offended by it. I’m so angry over it”.
Key Facts
- Ripa has publicly defended Cohen, stating she has never seen drugs around him and is deeply offended by the allegations. She expressed anger and sadness over the situation, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and character.
- Other Bravo stars, including Kyle Richards, have also come to Cohen’s defense, supporting his character and professionalism. They have not witnessed any drug abuse or toxic behavior.
- The lawsuit and subsequent public statements have sparked a legal and public response, with Cohen’s representatives denying the allegations as “completely false” and demanding McSweeney retract her claims.
Kyle Richards, a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star, also joined Ripa on the podcast episode to discuss the lawsuit. Richards echoed Ripa’s sentiments, stating that she had only seen Cohen be professional and had never witnessed drugs around him. She expressed her anger and sadness over the situation, noting the dangerous implications of making such accusations in the current climate.
Kelly Ripa is 'offended' by Andy Cohen drug allegations in Leah McSweeney lawsuit as she DEFENDS close friend and Bravo star: 'I'm so angry over it!' https://t.co/KY6sB6YJWX
— Daily Mail Celebrity (@DailyMailCeleb) March 29, 2024
The lawsuit filed by McSweeney also claimed that Cohen’s leadership style at Bravo thrived on drug and alcohol use, leading to a failure to accommodate employees who were trying to stay substance-free. McSweeney alleged that Cohen intentionally used cocaine with his employees to promote a workplace culture that favored drug and alcohol use.
In response to the lawsuit, Cohen’s legal team issued a statement denying the allegations, calling them “completely false.” They demanded that McSweeney retract and withdraw all allegations related to Cohen’s purported cocaine use, stating that the lawsuit was “just to get headlines and a quick payday”.
The support from Ripa and Richards, among others, highlights the personal and professional bonds within the Bravo network and the broader entertainment industry. The situation underscores the importance of personal relationships and professional conduct in the face of public scrutiny and legal challenges.
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