Sidebar: Real lawsuits of ‘Real Housewives’

Receipts. Proof. Timeline. Screenshots.

What fuels the flames of drama in episodes of Bravo's hugely successful "Real Housewives" franchise can also come into play off the screen when current and former reality stars duke it out in court against each other and their former producers and employer. 

In our sixth episode this season, we expose the dark side of reality TV chaos. From claims of an unsafe work environment and intentional infliction of emotional distress made by cast members against producers, to sexual assault by their costars, how much of what we see is actually ... well, real?

What does the future of these shows look like in light of these burgeoning legal battles and amid a call to arms by former star Bethenny Frankel to unionize in a "reality TV reckoning"? Does any accountability fall at the gilded doorstep of Bravo and Andy Cohen for the behaviors of their Bravolebrities? 

Tune in to find out what happens when people stop being polite and start being real. Real litigious. 

Special guests:

• Attorney Mark Geragos, who represents former “Vanderpump Rules” stars Rachel Leviss and Faith Stowers
• Brian Moylan, author of “The Housewives: The Real Story Behind the Real Housewives”
• Attorneys Cesie Alvarez and Angela Angotti of “The Bravo Docket” podcast

Sidebar tackles the top stories you need to know from the legal world. Join reporters Hillel Aron, Kirk McDaniel, Amanda Pampuro and Kelsey Reichmann as they take you in and out of courtrooms in the U.S. and beyond and break down developments to help you understand how they affect your day-to-day life.

Intro music by The Dead Pens. A transcript is available.

Editorial staff is Bill Dotinga, Sean Duffy and Jamie Ross.

More reality TV in court:

• Judge orders ‘Love Is Blind’ cast member back to arbitration
• Judge won’t pause arbitration in ‘Love Is Blind’ cast NDA dispute
• ‘Real Housewives’ star pleads guilty to ripping off older business owners

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