'RHOP' Star Ashley Darby Stands By Husband Following Sexual Assault Allegations

Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley Darby is sticking by her husband, Michael, amid claims that he sexually assaulted a crew member on the show. TMZ was the first to report that Michael had been criminally charged with sexual assault after a cameraman on the Bravo series accused him of groping him back in September. Orville Palmer alleged that after being groped, he turned around to see Michael giving him a “flirtatious look.” Palmer added that he told Michael to stop and reported the incident to his supervisor. Reality TV personality Ashley stood by her husband, denying that charges had been filed and denying that Michael had been suspended from the series. “No charges filed. No arrest made. No Bravo suspension. No worries. We’ll keep you posted,” Darby wrote on her Instagram Stories, according to People magazine. However, Darby’s claim that her husband has not been suspended comes after Bravo and Truly Original, the production company behind the show, issued a statement to the contrary. The network told People, “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 proceed accordingly with our producing partners. Bravo and Truly Original, the production company for The Real Housewives of Potomac, have suspended filming with Michael Darby.” ESSENCE reached out to reps for the Bravo series, but didn’t immediately hear back. Darby’s husband was also accused of inappropriately touching someone during season one of the show when co-star Gizelle Bryant revealed that she had witnessed Michael touching another man’s bottom. Both Ashley and Michael dismissed those allegations.