Ashley Darby and Michael Darby inseparated. Ashley Darby/Instagram
It’s over. Real Housewives of Potomac‘s Ashley DarbyHas separated from her husband Michael Darby, Us WeeklyThis is a valid confirmation.
“Ashley was going around saying that her marriage is ending, and she’s about to be on the dating market,” an insider who attended Karen Huger‘s RHOP: Karen’s Grande Dame ReunionExclusively for tells, Saturday, April 16th: Premiere Party Use.
The 33-year-old reality star confirmed her split from Michael, 62, on Tuesday, April 19, writing via Instagram, “It’s been almost 8 magical years.” Ashley told Bravo’s Daily Dish in a statement that she and Michael “will always love and respect each other” despite going their separate ways.
“We are now both at very different stages in our lives and have different goals for our futures,” she said. “We both want the other to achieve true happiness and fulfillment and feel that we cannot do this together.”
Ashley and Michael were married in 2014, two year before. RHOPPremiered on Bravo. The pair’s relationship quickly became a topic of conversation after Michael allegedly grabbed the rear end of Katie Rost‘s then-fiancé, Andrew MartinAt a party. During the season 1 reunion which aired April 2016, the contractor and his wife denied making the claims.
In September 2018, Michael was accused of groping a cameraman’s butt while working on an episode of the reality series. He was banned from filming and was charged with second-degree assault and improper sexual contacts.
The network issued a statement Use at the time of Michael’s suspension, noting, “Bravo has comprehensive policies and guidelines relating to the safety of cast and crew which production companies are required to follow, in addition to their own protocols they have in place. We take all allegations seriously, and then we proceed with our producing partners accordingly. Bravo and Truly Original, the production firm The Real Housewives of Potomac, have suspended filming with Michael Darby.”
One month later, Michael’s charges were dropped. “The case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence,” Ramon Korionoff, a spokesperson for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, told UseOctober 2018. “The complaining witness states there were no witnesses who actually saw the incident.”
Michael’s attorney, Mike RowanAlso, he offered a statement. “The charges were dropped. They were baseless,” the lawyer argued that same month. “There were a number of alleged witnesses who said it did not happen. The peace order request made by the alleged victim also was denied. There was simply nothing that happened, and nothing here.”
The midst all their public ups & downs, the Paper WristbandsAuthor shared her position with Michael. “Michael and I are in a much better place,” she shared during the RHOPSeason 3 reunion episode, August 2018. “We are trying to have a family. I actually did conceive a week before my birthday and unfortunately, I had a miscarriage two weeks into the pregnancy.”
Ashley and the real estate mogul had been struggling with fertility issues and welcomed Dean in July 2019.
“I never thought this day would come,” Ashley wrote via Instagram after giving birth. “When I learned I was pregnant, I started thinking about when I’d feel the first kicks. Then, when I was feeling the flutters, I wanted to know when I’d finally start to show. After watching my bump grow, I thought about the birthing day. It was like the sun shining brightest after a grey sky. It was the most amazing day of our shared lives. Mickey and I are savoring every moment with our wonderful son.”
In March 2021, Dylan was born to the couple. The Bravo personality gushed about her growing family via Instagram at the time, writing, “Dean loves being a big brother and covers the baby in kisses and hugs all the time. We appreciate your patience and well-wishes as we adjust to our new normal. This is even more amazing than I thought it’d be. … I didn’t know my heart could hold this much love.”
