Leah McSweeney, a former star of Bravo’s *The Real Housewives of New York*, has resolved a significant tax debt following a lien filed against her by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). According to Us Weekly, the lien, filed on March 11, 2024, accused McSweeney of owing taxes for the years 2018, 2021, and 2022. A representative for McSweeney confirmed that the matter has been settled.
The tax issues trace back to her time on the reality show, where she reportedly earned $3,000 per episode during her first season, totaling around $60,000. Following her debut, McSweeney successfully negotiated a salary increase to $10,000 per episode for her second season.
This is not the first time McSweeney has faced tax problems. In December 2018, she was subjected to a federal tax lien for a bill of $17,778 related to the years 2014, 2016, and 2017. That lien was released in January 2025, just prior to the current lien being filed.
The ongoing tax situation coincides with McSweeney’s legal battle against Bravo and its executive, Andy Cohen. In a federal lawsuit, she claims that producers pressured her to consume alcohol despite her efforts to remain sober. McSweeney alleged that Cohen engaged in cocaine use and provided preferential treatment to cast members who participated in such activities. A representative for Cohen denied these allegations, calling them “completely false.”
In her lawsuit, McSweeney described a toxic workplace culture at Bravo, asserting that producers retaliated against her for wanting to maintain her sobriety. She stated that they failed to accommodate her needs, which hampered her ability to perform. An investigation conducted by Bravo into her claims concluded that they were “unsubstantiated.” McSweeney’s attorney, Gary Adelman, criticized the investigation’s integrity, questioning its thoroughness.
As the legal proceedings continue, a federal judge has permitted three of McSweeney’s disability claims to advance while dismissing others. Recently, McSweeney shared a post on Instagram, hinting at her challenges with the caption, “Just a baddie that ruined your favorite franchise.”
The tax resolution and ongoing lawsuit highlight the complexities of life for reality television stars, where fame can come with significant financial and personal challenges. As the situation unfolds, McSweeney remains a figure of interest in both legal and entertainment circles.
