The Bravo Docket

Legal team, on the docket this week is a case we’ve covered multiple times and even had one of the victims, ‘Bachelor’ star Clayton Echard, on our show to tell his story. We are diving into the sentencing hearing of Laura Owens that took place just last week. Last we left off, Laura was facing 14 felony charges including fraud, forgery, evidence tampering, identity theft and theft by extortion arising from prosecutor’s allegations that she fabricated pregnancies involving two different men, Clayton Echard and Greg Gillespie. Now that her sentencing hearing is complete, we’re going over the arguments...

Legal team, we are ending our coverage on the ladies from the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip here. On the docket this week is Real Housewives of New York icon Luann de Lesseps featuring a recap of an earlier episode we did about her arrest (linked below), as well as the lawsuits she faced from her ex-husband, Alexandre, and her two children, Victoria and Noel, which she found out about through the press and then proceeded to blame her relapse on. We go through the details of her plea agreement, probation, and the preliminary injunction that helped resolve the...

Legal team, we are continuing our series on the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip ladies and also closing out our discourse on Porsha Williams, RHOA star, and her legal cases. If you haven’t listened to last week’s episode, we go through her divorces from both Kordell Stewart and Simon Guobadia. On the docket this week is Porsha’s defamation lawsuit that Simon filed against her, which overlaps with the divorce timeline. In July 2024, Porsha posted four slides on her Instagram stories, to her 7.7 million followers at the time, sharing information on erectile dysfunction with the hashtag #menshealthawareness only m...

Legal team, we have another episode in our series covering the legal issues of the real housewives on Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th. On the docket this week is Porsha Williams, star of Real Housewives of Atlanta, and her various lawsuits involving her ex-husbands. As a housewife cast member, Porsha has really grown, and although her love life is in the best place it’s ever been right now, her legal issues from her past relationships with former NFL player Kordell Stewart and entrepreneur Simon Guobadia are far from sweet. From contentious divorces to deportation issues, to having to as...

Legal team, we are continuing our series on Ultimate Girls Trip: Roaring 20th covering the legal issues of the participants in the show. On the docket this week is a housewife we’ve not covered before - Gizelle Bryant from The Real Housewives of Potomac. Gizelle has been in litigation for years following the death of her father Curtis Graves, who was a prominent figure in civil rights history. Alongside her siblings, Gizelle fought against her step-mother over her father’s will and estate. We discuss the importance of having your affairs in order for the sake of your love...

Legal team, Cesie is here to continue our Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip series on behalf of the show’s ‘Roaring 20th’ special. On the docket this week, Cesie is giving updates on both Vicki Gunvalson and Lisa Barlow’s legal issues. We’ve covered all of these before (prior episodes linked below), but more has unfolded in both housewives’ cases. Cesie breaks down what happened between Vicki’s company, Coto Insurance, and plaintiff, one of her clients. Is this a case of bad financial consulting, or even elder abuse? Plus Vicki is now trying to bring her OWN claims against...

TRIGGER WARNING: Domestic violence. Resources linked below.

Legal team, Angela is solo today and taking a detour from the Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip lawsuit and legal issues coverage to talk about Below Deck. There has been a lot going on this season of Below Deck Mediterranean regarding the former bosun Nathan Gallagher and what is unraveling in real time for his legal partner Gael Cameron. While being in an active storyline on television with new episodes coming out weekly, Nathan Gallagher is dodging international arrest warrants for his domestic violence offenses. Angela discusses maritime issues, mechanics...

Legal team, in honor of our 200th episode, we thought it would be fun to answer your questions (from Instagram and Patreon) and give you our honest, unfiltered thoughts. We entertain some Bravo hypotheticals—which housewife would we love to represent in court? If we could subpoena the unedited footage from any single Bravo event, what would we choose and what would we hope it proves? Which housewives would we send to jail (for non criminal reasons)? And answer juicy questions like have we ever had a housewife reach out and be angry at our coverage? Who sent us a...

Legal team, we are continuing on in our Ultimate Girls Trip Roaring 20th series where we cover the various legal issues that each of the housewives involved in this show have been tied to. On the docket this week, we are moving from Teresa to Kyle…but really, Mauricio. Are they getting divorced or not? We give you guys an update on the case regarding the Sweetwater property, which then turned into this other case where there was a qui tam action that was filed (we’ll explain what that is). For our fans of The Valley, we get into...

Legal team, on the docket this week we’re revisiting one of our favorite cases…because she just can’t stop saying that she did nothing wrong. Conspiracy to obtain mortgage loans through fraud and misrepresentations, bankruptcy fraud through concealment of assets and false declarations, and failure to file income taxes…of course, we are talking about Teresa Giudice, former cast member of Real Housewives of New Jersey and current cast member of Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip. This episode is the first part of a series we’re starting in conjunction with the RHUGT Roaring 20th. Bankruptcy, loan allegation...

Legal team, it’s been a little over a year since our last series on Todd and Julie Chrisley. In our previous episodes on the Chrisleys, we gave a detailed timeline on how everything unfolded, including how they became reality TV stars in the first place. Those episodes will be linked below. But in summary, the Chrisleys conspired with their former business partner to defraud Atlanta area community banks out of more than $30 million in personal loans, and they were fully convicted in a jury trial in 2023. In 2025, Todd and Julie were granted full executive pardons releasing them from fe...

Legal team, on the docket this week we have two more medical malpractice cases against the self-described ‘Boob God’ and ex-husband of RHOM star Lisa Hochstein: Lenny Hochstein. A warning to all that one of these cases involves some graphic details of a ‘mommy makeover’ gone wrong. We’re tying up the Pauline Pearlman case from last week, breaking down Alan Jaffery and Miriam Pavlovsky’s claims of poor pre and post-operative management, and discussing what Lenny’s defenses might be in both cases.

What’s on the docket?

Legal team, we are returning to the Real Housewives cinematic universe and going to talk about one of our favorite house husbands to shade, Lenny Hochstein. We’ve covered him before, including his divorce with Lisa, but there’s been a wave of Lenny lawsuits lately that we’re here to dissect. On the docket this week are two cases - one involving allegations of sexual battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress and the other involving medical malpractice. Lenny is being accused of drug facilitated sexual assault by a Jane Doe, and sued by three patients for failures in pos...

Legal team, we’re closing out our Love Is Blind series with a few more cast members who filed lawsuits against Netflix production. On the docket this week we’re discussing Renee Poche and Stephen Richardson’s alleged experiences being a part of Love Is Blind, and what they are claiming is unlawful about the way they were treated pre and post production. We also explain why it may seem like we counter the arguments made by cast members, and where our frustrations truly lie when it comes to these reality TV lawsuits. And PSA - don’t forget to read...

*Trigger warning* - this case involves sexual assault.

Legal team, continuing on with our Love Is Blind series, on the docket this week is a case from Season 5 contestant Tran Dang, whose time on the show was never aired. During her season, Tran formed a relationship with LIB contestant Thomas Smith, and they ended up getting engaged. This case that Tran Dang filed is against multiple parties including Kinetic Content, LLC, Delirium TV, LLC and Thomas Smith. A settlement has been reached, but we breakdown what Tran Dang was alleging, explain why there was an appeal, and...

Legal team, on the docket this week we’re starting off our Love Is Blind series strong with Jeremy Hartwell’s lawsuit against Netflix over unpaid wages. Even though they have reached a $1.4 million settlement, we still think this case is worth diving into, as it provides insight into how reality TV stars are compensated. We discuss Jeremy’s complaints and allegations against the network, how class action lawsuits work and who benefits, and the differences and advantages of hiring independent contractors vs. employees. Next week we’ll be discussing another Love Is Blind lawsuit!

What’s...

Legal team, this week on the docket we’re giving an update on Leah McSweeney’s lawsuit against Bravo…you know, one of those cases Andy probably wishes would go away. And then we dive into a new case —Tyra Banks vs. Netflix: why she’s filing this lawsuit, the claims she’s presenting, and of course, where we think she has valid points, and where she does not. Tyra agreed to be in the series Reality Check: Insane America’s Next Top Model, but now is claiming that she was a victim of defamation. We discuss entertainment contracts, and for the no...

Legal Team, on the docket this week is a re-release of our deep dive into the infamous McBee Dynasty, where family drama meets federal crime. In this beginning of this episode, we give an update on the new claims against Steve McBee by the US government, including the alleged fraudulent money transfers he made to his sons. From Steve Sr. and Christy’s messy divorce and accusations of hidden assets, to Galyna’s rise from housekeeper to CFO, the McBees’ empire is tangled in lawsuits and shady money moves. We hope this episode gives context to the unfolding legal drama...

Legal team, on the docket this week we’re discussing RHOA star Pinky Cole’s various lawsuits that have taken a hit at her successful vegan empire and led her to file for bankruptcy. These cases involve dram shop laws, wage and hour violations, and streaming without proper commercial licensing against Bar Vegan, one of Pinky’s Atlanta establishments. It seems Pinky is already turning her story of failure around to educate her audience about what she has learned from her business mistakes.

What’s on the docket?

Legal team, this week we are departing from our Bravo cinematic universe and jumping into the world of drag to discuss the trademark dispute between Pattie Gonia and Patagonia. The outdoor clothing brand Patagonia is suing Wyn Wiley, a drag queen known as Pattie Gonia, for trademark infringement and for breaching their 2022 informal agreement. We break down what trademark really means, what each side is arguing, and how to not infringe on trademark rights. We also provide examples of other trademark disputes between creators and big companies that might help us predict this case's outcome. Hopefully by the end...

Legal team, we’ve got yet another divorce update episode for you this week. After filing for divorce last year, Dorit Kemsley has been refusing to cooperate with PK on the impending foreclosure of their Adlon property, and has faced backlash from both PK and the public on her lavish spending habits. While we go through in detail what PK’s requests and frustrations are, we do not have Dorit’s side of the story yet - although we have come to the decision that everyone ultimately sucks in this situation. Please don't judge our British accents too harshly while...

Legal team - we’re back this week to discuss the messy divorces of Atlanta housewife Drew Sidora and husband, Ralph Pittman, as well as RHOA alum Kim Zolciak and ex-husband, Kroy Biermann. We get into the most recent court filings and orders, the claims against spouses, details on the latest trials, and where each couple currently stands. If you’ve not been tuned into these marital train wrecks, don’t worry - we give background to recap what we’ve discussed in previous episodes. Get ready to dive into Dorit’s divorce from PK next week! And remember… be careful w...

Well Legal Team, we recorded this before the news broke that Erika settled, which is HUGE news and brings an anticlimatic ending to this 4 year-long legal battle . Last episode, we went through the claims that were going to the judge, and now we are tackling the claims that were going to the jury. Even though the trial won’t take place, we hope this episode still provides knowledge and understanding around why this $25 million lawsuit was sold, what claims against Erika were being pursued by the plaintiff, the key witnesses from each side, and what Erika’s defenses would have...

Legal team - there’s a new Erika Jayne trial to discuss! In this episode, we break down the legal claims against Erika Jayne, what evidence the plaintiff has to back up these claims, and what Erika’s defenses are. Is she liable for the $25 million dollars sent to EJ Global? Or will she be able to use an “alter ego” defense to maintain her innocence? We’ll be following along closely…

What’s on the docket?

Legal team, we have a new housewives franchise on our screens - Real Housewives of Rhode Island. We share our first impressions on the cast and what we know so far about their legal involvements. There’s tracking devices, drug trafficking schemes, rent relief fraud, and of course, a mistress. This episode is just an amuse-bouche of what’s to come when we have more documents to dive into. And if you’re the psychic that worked with the Pontarellis - DM us, we’d love to talk!

What’s on the docket?

Legal team, we are so excited to have our very first interview with a victim in one of the cases we have covered extensively. Former Bachelor Clayton Echard joins us to talk in-depth about how one night with Laura Owens spiraled into a legal nightmare, stemming from a faked pregnancy.Throughout this whole process, Clayton has remained honest to what transpired between him and Laura, and we acknowledge the smart decisions he’s made around how to take on Laura and her manipulation tactics. We appreciate his openness with us, and shoutout to the community of people supporting him who ha...

“Real Housewives of Miami” star Lisa Hochstein turned herself in to Miami authorities after her ex-husband Lenny Hochstein accused her and her ex-boyfriend Joey Glidden of putting a secret recording device under his vehicle in 2023. We get into all the details and context behind Lisa’s felony charge, the emergency petitions filed, and the current status of the contentious Hochstein divorce. 

Miami Vice: The Hochstein Divorce (previous episode on Lisa and Lenny's divorce)

What’s on the Docket?

Legal team, we know you have all been waiting for us to react to Jen Shah's People interview, and we are here to deliver. A few weeks ago, Jen Shah sat down with People to open up about her time in prison and reflect on her crimes. Was her time served an actual learning lesson for her? Does she feel remorse for the victims? Is she capable of taking full responsibility for her actions? We're here to fact-check her answers and give our takes on her version of the truth. 

What's on the Docket?

Legal team, we’re back with another Below Deck lawsuit. Emile Kotze, a deckhand from Below Deck Season 3, is suing production, claiming that production created a hostile work environment for the sake of TV ratings, including forcing him to engage sexually with another crew member as well as discrimination and deceptive editing. We dive into this lawsuit and share our thoughts on Emile’s claims…are they valid or is this going to be an uphill battle for him?

What’s on the Docket?

Legal Team, you voted and we delivered. This week we’re breaking down the Below Deck lawsuits making waves behind the scenes, including the claims against Gary King and the broader legal fallout tied to the reality reckoning movement. From what allegedly happened off camera to how production responded and what the law actually says about workplace protections, retaliation, and liability, we’re unpacking where reality TV ends and real legal exposure begins. 

 What’s on the Docket? 

Legal Team, we’re re-releasing Part 1 of our Jen Shah series today for a reason. With People Magazine dropping her first post-prison interview, we felt it was important to revisit what was actually proven in court and what Jen Shah pled guilty to.  

In Part 1 of this series, we break down the foundation of the case against Jen Shah, including how the telemarketing scheme worked, who it targeted, and why the facts don’t come from headlines, they come from court filings and her own admissions. Before you consume her interview, we think it’s worth remembering...

Legal Team, we’re pulling back the curtain on reality TV with former producer Olivia Ravasio Banghart, aka Liv On Air, who’s worked on everything from Married at First Sight to American Idol. In this episode, we get into what actually goes on behind the scenes, from how storylines are shaped to the real role producers play in creating the shows we watch. We also dig into the legal side of reality TV, including contracts, NDAs, releases, and where the line is between storytelling and liability. 

What’s on the docket?  

TW: Discussions of Sexual Assault

Legal Team, we’re picking up right where we left off, continuing Demi Engemann’s response to Marciano Brunette’s lawsuit before diving into the Jeff Jenkins production company’s bold attempt to shut the case down entirely. From actual malice to opinion defenses and major contract issues, we break down what’s being argued and why the producers may have just changed the trajectory of this case entirely. 

What’s on the Docket?  

Legal Team, we’re back with an update on the Marciano vs. Demi lawsuit tied to The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives and Vanderpump Villa. In this episode, we break down Demi and the production company’s official response to Marciano’s defamation claims, including the legal arguments they’re using to try to shut the case down. From anti-SLAPP protections to reality TV contracts and release clauses, we walk through why the defendants believe this lawsuit should be dismissed and what it could mean for the future of the case. 

What’s on the Docket? ...

Legal Team, we’re back with Part 2 of our Laura Owens coverage, and the situation has officially moved from internet drama into the criminal courts. In this episode, we break down the latest developments in the investigation tied to the Clayton Echard paternity saga, including law enforcement’s involvement and the evidence now at the center of the case. We also walk through each of the criminal charges filed against Laura Owens, explaining what prosecutors allege happened and what those charges could mean as the case moves forward. 

What’s on the Docket? 

Legal Team, we’re diving back into one of the wildest stories we’ve ever covered: an alleged fake-pregnancy scheme that ultimately ensnared a former Bachelor. In this continuation, we zoom out from Clayton Echard and unpack the disturbing pattern that allegedly came before him, including more fabricated pregnancies, more stolen ultrasounds, restraining orders, and escalating legal warfare. We break down the men Laura Owens targeted before Clayton then review the court’s detailed findings in Clayton’s case and why this saga has now shifted from civil chaos to 14 felony criminal charges. This case isn’t just messy, it’s a mastercla...

Trigger Warning: Discussions of sexual assault.  

Legal Team, we’re back in Salt Lake City and this week we’re zooming out to look at the bigger legal picture in Marciano’s lawsuit against Demi from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. After breaking down the drama, text messages, and on-screen fallout, we’re now focusing on what actually has to be proven in court. From defamation standards to public figure hurdles, we unpack how reality TV narratives collide with real world legal thresholds and why this case may come down to much more than what aired on c...

Trigger Warning: Discussions of Sexual Assault  

Legal Team, will MomTok survive this? After binge-watching The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, we’re breaking down the lawsuit that’s officially blurred the line between reality TV drama and real-world litigation. This episode unpacks Marciano Brunette’s lawsuit against Demi Engemann, and how the conflict played out across Vanderpump Villa and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. With on-screen storylines colliding with legal strategy and public support entering the chat, this case raises serious questions about power, influence, and accountability. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we break do...

Legal Team, we’re back in Beverly Hills with more research into Amanda Frances. From questionable cease-and-desist letters allegedly sent to Redditors leaving reviews, to a failed federal lawsuit over the “look and feel” of another woman’s finance book. In this episode, we break down the consumer rights issues, the limits of non-disparagement clauses for people leaving honest reviews, and why Amanda’s attempt to claim ownership over “As F**k” and bathtub-money vibes didn’t exactly impress a federal judge. Spoiler: manifestation doesn’t work on trade dress law. 

What’s on the Docket?  

Legal Team, we’re heading to Scotland… by way of The Bachelor and a very disturbing real-life paper trail. This week we break down the restraining order filed by Cassie Randolph against former Bachelor Colton Underwood, whose alleged stalking behavior included harassing texts, anonymous burner numbers, and a tracking device found taped to her car. We walk through the court filings, the receipts, and how it all connects to the carefully managed public image he presents today on The Traitors. This isn’t just reality TV drama — it’s a sobering look at coercion, control, and how legal systems handle sta...