Leah McSweeney, a former star of Bravo’s *The Real Housewives of New York City*, has resolved a significant tax debt linked to her time on the show. According to a representative, McSweeney’s tax issues have been settled, following a federal tax lien filed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on March 11, 2024. The lien accused the 43-year-old television personality of owing taxes for the years 2018, 2021, and 2022.
The tax lien revealed that McSweeney’s earnings from her appearances on *RHONY* were part of the financial complications. Reports indicate that during her first season, she earned approximately $3,000 per episode, totaling around $60,000. After negotiating for a pay increase, she reportedly secured a salary of $10,000 per episode for her second season.
This is not McSweeney’s first encounter with tax-related issues. In December 2018, she faced a federal tax lien for a debt of $17,778 related to the years 2014, 2016, and 2017. That lien was released in January 2025, just months prior to the new lien being filed.
Legal Challenges Amid Tax Issues
As McSweeney resolves her tax situation, she continues to engage in a legal battle with Bravo and its executive producer, Andy Cohen. In a federal lawsuit, McSweeney claims that producers pressured her to consume alcohol despite her commitment to sobriety. She alleges that Cohen engaged in inappropriate behavior by favoring cast members who consumed drugs, creating a toxic workplace atmosphere.
A spokesperson for Cohen has categorically denied these allegations, emphasizing that they are “completely false.” McSweeney’s lawsuit further asserts that Bravo’s culture relies heavily on pressuring employees to drink alcohol, which she claims is detrimental to their well-being. In court documents, she stated that producers retaliated against her for choosing to remain sober, failing to provide reasonable accommodations to support her recovery.
In May 2024, Bravo announced the results of an external investigation into McSweeney’s claims, stating that the allegations were “unsubstantiated.” McSweeney’s lawyer, Gary Adelman, expressed skepticism about the investigation, questioning its validity. He stated, “How do you have an investigation without speaking with anyone? As far as we know, no one ever contacted our firm.” Adelman indicated that they would review the investigation’s findings during the discovery phase of the lawsuit.
Current Status and Social Media Presence
In April 2024, a federal judge allowed three of McSweeney’s disability claims to proceed while dismissing other claims in her lawsuit. The case remains active, with further developments expected as it unfolds.
Recently, McSweeney shared a post on Instagram, featuring a photo of herself captioned, “Just a baddie that ruined your favorite franchise.” This statement highlights her ongoing engagement with fans and her complex relationship with the reality television world.
As McSweeney navigates her financial and legal challenges, she remains a notable figure within the *Real Housewives* franchise and beyond, exemplifying the pressures and scrutiny faced by reality television stars.
