As season 12 of the Real Housewives of New York City was starting to come to fruition, OG housewife Bethenny Frankel pulled herself out of the season and quit, seemingly out of the blue, shocking her co-stars. Queen B is irreplaceable, but newcomer Leah McSweeney was already decided as an addition to the cast before Bethenny pulled the plug.
“Leah was coming in before Bethenny told us she was leaving, let’s get that straight. My girl B is never replaceable. And you all know that” Sonja Morgan told DailyMailTV. So, who is the newest apple-holder? Let's take a look at five reasons Leah McSweeney will make a great addition to RHONY, and five reasons she'll be seen as a threat by the other women!
GREAT ADDITION: Leah Is A "Bonafide New Yorker"
According to the fan-favorite long-term housewife Sonja Morgan, Leah's about to show us her New Yorker roots! While being quarantined in Desert Springs, CA Sonja teased the upcoming season of RHONY during a recent interview with DailyMailTV, and also made some interesting comments about her newest co-star: “Well, you’re going to see a lot this season about what I have to say about Miss Leah, but one thing I can say she’s a bonafide New Yorker."
The housewife continued, “This girl is tried-and-true, a real New Yorker,” which seems like a compliment, but there's some backhanded shade being delivered by Lady Morgan, and we can't wait to watch it all unfold.
THREAT: She's A Lot Younger Than The Cast (Except Tinsley)
The hip Married to the Mob designer is just 37 years old, making her one of the youngest housewives across the franchise and the youngest of the current RHONY cast; Tinsley’s the second-youngest at 43. Considering Ramona is approximately 25 years Leah’s senior, it goes without saying the newest housewife’s youth will surely spark some envy coming from the “geriatrics” of RHONY!
In fact, Leah's youthfulness has already come into question only three episodes into the season, when Ramona and Sonja harshly judged their new co-star for donning several tattoos (see below).
GREAT ADDITION: Leah Is Very Sex-Positive On Camera
Leah's made it very clear through the first couple of episodes of Real Housewives of New York City that she's very sex-positive, and isn't afraid to be blunt and explicit on camera. She's made remarks about how awful in bed the person standing in front of her would be, and she's made a reference to the controversial NC-17 rated Stanley Kubrick film Eyes Wide Shut (1999).
Leah's open-minded attitude will fit in seamlessly with these wild women, and the fans as excited to sit back and watch the fireworks!
THREAT: #TattooGate Proves Successful Modern Women Can Still Enjoy Tattoos!
Leah and her tattoos sparked quite the controversy on RHONY when Sonja and Ramona made multiple snide comments about their newest co-star. "Leah has a very beautiful body, and I think it says something negative about her that she would get tattoos. Because it's very self...def--is it defecating? No, that's sh*tting on yourself, sorta shitting on yourself, but it's like self-defaming!" Says Lady Morgan, after she tries to claim she's "never" had sex with a guy sporting some ink.
According to Reddit poll conducted by /u/hibyehi1, 99% of users believe Sonja Morgan has boinked a guy with a tattoo. Furthermore, Ramona added her two cents by saying: "I don't talk to people with tattoos," right in front of Leah! The new housewife chimed in, saying: "This is nuts. It's not like I have a penis tattoo across my forehead, or a gun tattoo on my neck, I have pretty little tattoos!” The fans have spoken out in support of Leah, and tattoos in general, happy to have a housewife represent more than just the stuffy upper-class snobs against modern-day beauty trends.
GREAT ADDITION: Leah's Openness About Her Drinking Habits Makes Her Very Likeable And Trustworthy
Having a mild-to-severe drinking problem is almost a prerequisite to join the RHONY cast, which could pose a problem for the weak-willed. Leah has been very open on camera about her relationship with alcohol, and she’s not afraid to speak her truth and be candid about stopping and starting up again.
Unlike her co-star Luann de Lesseps, who wavers between admitting to having a serious drinking problem and declaring she’s allowed enjoy a drink or two--all while sneaking drinks on probation! Leah said she stopped drinking for several years because it would make her feel out of control, perfectly comfortable with being able to stop and start as she pleases. Leah's ability to be honest with herself displays a level of self-awareness and maturity we're here for.
THREAT: Her Virgo Energy Could Intimidate Her Castmates
Astrologically speaking, Leah may cause a rift with her direct Virgo energy. Virgos are often misinterpreted as prudes— represented by ‘The Virgin’ after all— but they’re far from modest! Virgos may have a propensity towards drugs and alcohol (which aligns with Leah’s dark past, highlighted during this week's episode) and will never be afraid to speak their minds. As the ruler of Mercury, the planet of communication, Virgos make sure their words pack a punch, and their delivery is so eloquent, sometimes their insults get overlooked-- LVP, anyone?
Virgo forms what’s called a “square” aspect to Sagittarius, causing the least harmonious and most difficult relationships, which means caution ahead for Archer's Dorinda and Sonja! Virgos are very organized and exact and criticize those who they deem illogical or delusional, both huge traits of both D and Lady Morgan.
GREAT ADDITION: As A Single Mother, Leah Provides Another Great Example Of A Kick-Ass, Unmarried Housewife
One of the many reasons RHONY is so beloved is their display of independent, strong women who aren’t actually a “housewife.” While the lap of luxury is eye-catching, watching the over-glamorous gets boring, so it’s refreshing to see another single, working mom.
As she explains in the season premiere, Leah’s been a single mom to her daughter Kier, 12, for the last 10 years. Currently, there are no married women on the RHONY cast, though Tinsley gets engaged to on-again-off-again boyfriend Scott Kluth mid-season.
THREAT: Speaking Of Kick-Ass: Fearless Leah Does Boxing, And Won't Back Down To Any Of These Women
On top of being young and alternative, Leah’s also incredibly fit, thanks to the boxing classes she attends. Leah shows she’s not afraid to get down and dirty in a scene where she Mike the Boxer poke fun at Tinsley’s high-maintenance obliviousness when she forgets to take her hoop earrings before joining the ring.
Fun fact: Leah once got into a feud with Michael Che after she called him out for his behavior on a dating app!
GREAT ADDITION: Leah Joins The Party
Leah's not holding anything back when it comes to partying with the other ladies, as the viewers saw a sneak peek of during the trailer for the upcoming Hampton's Party episode of RHONY.
Their antics look epic, including Chicken à la Vibrator, more of Sonja’s vagina-talk, and Leah torch-throwing naked? We can't wait to see how she'll mesh with the other women, especially when their old friends Pinot Grigio and tequila show up to the scene!
THREAT: Leah Speaks Her Mind, Which Inevitably Makes For Great Drama
Leah's already made it very clear that she isn't afraid to speak her mind, even when she doesn't know you well. During last week's episode, Leah didn’t hesitate to mention being offended by Dorinda's comments regarding her 'tramp stamp' tattoo, and immediately confronted Sonja to ask if she spilled the beans.
The season has barely begun and Leah's already made a lasting impression. It seems like her reception is well-regarded amongst fans and lukewarm with her fellow 'Wives, and we can't wait to watch how everything will play out as season 12 unfolds.