Leah McSweeney

• Name — Leah McSweeney • Birth Name — Leah Christine McSweeney • Born — 27 August 1982 • Birthplace — Manhattan, New York, U.S. • Occupation — * Television personality • fashion designer • entrepreneur • columnist • actress • Years Active — 2004–present • Partner — Rob Cristofaro (2002–2008) • Children — 1

McSweeney was born in Manhattan, New York, to Bryan and Bernadette "Bunny" McSweeney and raised in an Irish-Italian family. She attended the Convent of the Sacred Heart Catholic all-girls school on the Upper East Side. After being expelled at 15, her family moved to Newtown, Connecticut.

In 2004, McSweeney founded her clothing line, Married to the Mob (MTTM), which has collaborated with Kangol and Kaws. Married to the Mob would also collaborate with German accessory brand MCM, and French boutique Colette for a limited-edition Reebok lip-print sneaker. MTTM would later create another limited-edition sneaker with Nike. MTTM has also collaborated with French graffiti artist Fafi, Krink, and Jessy "Nite Rider" Kennedy. MTTM also released collections with models including Chanel West Coast, Kid Sister, Lil Debbie, and the Clermont twins.

In 2010, McSweeney appeared as a client on an episode on Bravo's The Millionaire Matchmaker. Her appearance on Matchmaker was well received by critics, and has led to appearances and cameos on other television programs, including VH1's Love & Hip Hop: New York. In 2015, McSweeney became a featured recurring star on Shade 45's Lip Service with Angela Yee of Power 105.1. The following year, she began Improper Etiquette with Laura Stylez of Hot 97. On the podcast, McSweeney and Stylez provide candid perspectives and advice on lifestyle and current issues with occasional celebrity interviews. McSweeney was confirmed to have joined The Real Housewives of New York City during an appearance at Bravo's "BravoCon" fan convention in November 2019. McSweeney was referred to production by former cast member Bethenny Frankel, who left the series after the previous season. McSweeney officially signed on for her second season as a full-time cast member of The Real Housewives of New York City. McSweeney held off on renewing her contract until she was offered a higher salary, being paid only $3,000 an episode during her season 12 stint. For season 13, she reportedly made $7,800 an episode. In March 2023, McSweeney starred in the third season of The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip on Peacock and was paid $250,000 for the season.

McSweeney filed a federal lawsuit in Manhattan against NBCUniversal, Bravo, Andy Cohen, and several production companies associated with The Real Housewives of New York City. The complaint alleged that cocaine use was common on set and that producers had created a hostile work environment. McSweeney also claimed she faced retaliation after raising concerns about conditions during production. Cohen called allegations "false." In March 2026, District Judge Lewis J. Liman ruled the case will proceed in a public courtroom.

McSweeney has been a frequent contributor to the online publication Hypebeast, where she offers commentary on wellness, streetwear style, and motherhood. She also writes an advice column for Penthouse magazine. On June 27, 2018, McSweeney wrote a controversial article for Penthouse titled Can We Talk About Toxic Femininity?, in which she criticized Rose McGowan and Asia Argento and accused them of using the #MeToo movement for personal gain. McSweeney received wide backlash and praise alike for her op-ed piece. On December 10, 2018, McSweeney co-wrote an investigative article about antisemitism and corruption within the Women's March organization for Tablet magazine titled "Is The Women's March Melting Down?" In April 2022, McSweeney published a book titled Chaos Theory, about her experiences including overcoming addiction, creating a streetwear brand, and entering the reality television space. In March 2023, McSweeney launched a podcast on YouTube and other platforms called The Leah McSweeney Show. She has interviewed individuals such as model Teddy Quinlivan, publicist Kelly Cutrone, Fox News' Gutfeld! panelist Kat Timpf, and 2024 Democratic presidential candidate Marianne Williamson, the latter of whom she endorsed.

In 2002, McSweeney suffered several injuries in a physical altercation with the New York Police Department. She, along with streetwear designer and boyfriend Rob Cristofaro, used her $75,000 settlement to create Married to the Mob, a line of feminine streetwear. McSweeney gave birth to her only child with Rob Cristofaro, daughter Kier Marie, in 2007. McSweeney converted to Judaism in March 2022.

Film • Year — Title — Role • 2023 — The Kill Room — Alisha Television • Year — Title — Notes — Ref. Reference • 2010 — The Millionaire Matchmaker — "Opposites Don't Attract" (season 4, episode 7) • 2013 — Celebrity Page — Season 7, episode 126 • 2015 — Love & Hip Hop: New York — "Call Your Bluff" (season 5, episode 9) • 2020–21 — The Real Housewives of New York City — Main cast member (seasons 12-13) • 2020 — Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen — Season 17, episode 70 • 2023 — The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip — Main cast member (season 3) • 2023 — The Other Two — Self/Hottie #1 (season 3)