What Happened?
On January 26, 2024, Caroline Manzo, famed from The Real Housewives of New Jersey, filed a lawsuit in New York State Supreme Court against Bravo, NBCUniversal, Peacock, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Forest Productions, and Shed Media.
She alleges that while filming The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip in Morocco in January 2023, co-star Brandi Glanville forcibly kissed her, mounted her, and “forcibly fondled” her vagina and breasts — all without consent. During a bathroom break, she claims Glanville cornered her, assaulted her again, and destroyed part of her well‑being. Manzo, who claims to be a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, says she was traumatized while production crews watched, filmed, and failed to intervene.
Manzo’s suit doesn’t stop at Glanville. She accuses the producers and networks of fueling a toxic environment; allegedly encouraging heavy drinking, allowing harassment for more “drama,” ignoring her pleas for help, and even forcing her into emotional interviews that re-traumatized her — all in the name of boosting ratings.
Brandi Glanville denies all allegations, calling them defamatory and claiming her actions were produced, and even scripted, by Bravo. She says the narrative ruined her career and mental health, even contributing to suicidal thoughts and job loss.
An executive producer testified that Manzo said she felt “disrespected,” but not “sexually violated” by Glanville, a detail used by Bravo entities to challenge the suit. Bravo and its partners have issued motions to dismiss, asserting they’re not responsible for individual conduct, while Glanville’s side asserts the behavior was producer‑driven and took place under the production’s direction.
Reality TV ethics are under scrutiny. Manzo’s lawsuit echoes other grievances like Leah McSweeney’s, about coercion and pressure toward intoxication for entertainment’s sake. The case exposes the messy intersection of performer safety, consent, and producer incentives in unscripted television.
If you’re a fan of RHONJ or reality TV, this is the wake‑up call that the glitz isn’t worth the price if cast members are endangered. If you’re someone interested in workplace rights, here’s a high‑profile case forcing one of the most spectacle‑driven entertainment formats to confront its human cost.
The verdict? The case is still winding its way through court. Dismissal motions are pending, and no trial date has been set. The show where this happened remains unaired, and both sides are bracing for a protracted legal battle.
TL;DR Summary
Caroline Manzo of RHONJ fame sued Bravo/NBC/Warner/etc. Claims she was sexually assaulted by Brandi Glanville of RHOBH fame, and producers ignored her pleas for help during filming of season 4 of RHUGT.
Brandi Glanville denies wrongdoing. Says she was following producers directions, and claims were exaggerated. No court updates yet.
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