That raises some major questions for the Bravo-verse. Why was Leah chosen? How will she get along with all the other Housewives? (Looking at you, Ramona.) And, uh, who is she, again?
Heres the 411 on RHONYs latest cast member, Leah McSweeney:
For starters, shes got a busy career.
Leah is the founder and CEO of streetwear line Married to the Mob , which features quirky gear like a hat that says "B*tch" on it, socks that read "Dead" in hearts, and a middle finger air freshener. According to her Bravo bio, Leah created her brand to try to get a female voice into the male-dominated streetwear scene.
Leah also co-hosts the podcast Improper Etiquette , where she covers a slew of different topics like female empowerment, being an entrepreneur, and advocating for mental health.
Leah knows Bethenny Frankel pretty well.
In fact, sources told People that Leah was cast because Bethenny, who she met through mutual friends, recommended her. "Bethenny really knows what makes great TV. Its her superpower. She saw a lot of potential in Leah," one source said. "The two have a lot in common; theyre both single moms and strong businesswomen. She would have been a strong ally to Bethenny, which she hasnt had on the show since her friendship with [Carole Radziwill] fell apart."
Bethenny, who has left the show (again), also had this cagey message for fans:
NO. You do NOT wish that. Ive payed it forward & put others into the mix for you. Just wait. https://t.co/RUGMmpfoUp Bethenny Frankel (@Bethenny)
It doesn't seem like she'll shy away from a fight.
Leah's RHONY tagline is, "Float like a butterfly, sting like a b*tch." So... theres that.
Leah is not Ramona Singers biggest fanand the feeling may be mutual.
"Ramona doesnt like when I chew gum," Leah said on a Bravo Insider video introducing her to the world. And later, she said this about Ramona: "Warm vibes, but the eyeballs were staring at me and I was like, 'You need to come down a little.'" Okaaaaay, then.
Shes single and ready to mingle.
Leah has a 12-year-old daughter named Kiki, who she shares with her former boyfriend Rob Cristofaro, founder of the streetwear brand Alfie, according to the New York Post . Leah also said had this message for single men: "My DMs are open."
Leah is definitely not a socialite.
The new Housewife also told the Post that she didnt think she would get picked for the show because of that. "After [producers] first interviewed me, I was like, 'Theyre never going to pick me,'" she recalled. "I literally said, 'Im anti-socialite.' But, I guess they liked that."