The Dark Side Behind Bravo’s Real Housewives Franchise

Bravo has long been known as the host to several popular reality TV programs, most famously, The Real Housewives franchise. So, which Bravo star is currently under fire for allegations of toxic behavior? Andy Cohen, the host and producer of The Real Housewives series, has recently faced backlash from fans and celebrities alike as reports of abuse circulate. Read along to find out more about the developing situation.

Who is Andy Cohen?

Andy Cohen is an American television host best known for hosting the infamous Watch What Happens Live show, where he interviews housewives, celebrities, and other reality TV stars. Cohen also hosts The Real Housewives reunions at the conclusion of each season and is very involved in the Bravo network in general. As of 2024, there have been eleven The Real Housewives spin-offs, encompassing New York City, Orange County, Salt Lake City, Potomac, Dallas, Miami, D.C., Beverly Hills, Atlanta, New Jersey, and Dubai.

Why is Andy Cohen Currently Under Fire?

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Andy Cohen is currently facing allegations of abhorrent behavior, including misconduct involving booze and drugs and sexual harassment charges. He has also been accused of racially offensive behavior in the past. Recently, there has been an overall public sentiment that Cohen isn’t objective with the on-air talent he hires, with many fans claiming he picks favorites on each series and gives them more air time. Many ex-Housewives also claim they have witnessed Cohen taking part in several exploitative practices during their time on the show.

What have The Housewives Said?

Bethenny Frankel (The Real Housewives of New York City) has been calling upon the Bravo network to unionize against Cohen for months now and is in opposition to a lot of Cohen’s alleged behavior. In a November episode of her podcast, “ReWives ReRant,” Frankel accused Cohen of thinking of himself as “invincible,” believing him to not be taking the allegations against him seriously. On her podcast, she stated,

“He sits in this position while he’s inappropriately texting and sending videos to talent. And the thing is, he’s an executive producer, and he also has a role on one show as talent. He’s in a position of power, and it’s undeniable” (Frankel, 2024, 1:39).

Frankel continues, “And the question is, should someone in a position of power, who has the ability to hire, to fire, to control someone’s income and livelihood, should they be getting drunk with talent, getting wasted and joking with talent… He is the producer. He owns part of the show, and he controls all the questions that often make people look bad. No matter how you slice it. So, where is the line?” (Frankel, 2024, 4:21).

To listen to Frankel’s rant, check out this iHeartRadio link. To listen to more episodes of Frankel’s podcast, Just B Divorced with Bethenny Frankel, click here.

Housewives star Brandy Glanville (The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills) has accused Cohen of sexual harassment, while another Housewife, Leah McSweeney, recently filed a civil lawsuit against Cohen. In her suit, which was also against NBC Universal, Bravo Media, and Warner Bros., McSweeney (The Real Housewives of New York City) alleges she was subject to drug and alcohol abuse, an unsafe working environment, and mental health pressures during her time as a cast member on the show.

Updates on The Allegations Against Cohen:

On May 9, The Hollywood Reporter reported that all charges against Cohen were dropped despite the influx of allegations against him. According to the outlet, a spokesperson for Bravo stated, “The outside investigation into the recent allegations made by Brandi Glanville and Leah McSweeney against Andy Cohen has now been completed, and the claims were found to be unsubstantiated” (Strause, 2024). After the network’s investigation concluded, they renewed Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live through 2025. For more on The Hollywood Reporter’s interview with Cohen following the allegations, click here.

So, what do you think? Is there a future for Cohen at Bravo? Will they subtly try to phase Cohen out after his contract is up? Or will Hollywood once again let the accused man continue to run the show?

For More Great Content

For more entertainment news, click here. To keep up to date on all celebrity gossip, check out these related stories! For other reality TV drama, check out this Dance Moms story.

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