We consider aggregation-diffusion equations with merely bounded nonlocal interaction potential $K$. We are interested in establishing their well-posedness theory when the nonlocal interaction potential $K$ is neither differentiable nor positive (semi-)definite, thus preventing application of classical arguments. We prove the existence of weak solutions in two cases: if the mass of the initial data is sufficiently small, or if the interaction potential is symmetric and of bounded variation without any smallness assumption. The latter allows one to exploit the dissipation of the free energy in an optimal way, which is an entirely new approach. Remarkably, in both cases, under the additional condition that $\nabla K\ast K$ is in $L^2$, we can prove that the solution is smooth and unique. When $K$ is a characteristic function of a ball, we construct the classical unique solution. Under additional structural conditions we extend these results to the $n$-species system.
