'Real Housewives of Potomac' Won't Shy Away From Michael Darby's Sexual Assault Scandal

Michael Darby's sexual assault scandal will likely be a big topic of conversation on 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' — here is what actually came about.

The fourth season of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac begins airing on May 5, and enthusiasts are wondering how the show goes to take care of the sexual assault charges that had been filed against solid member Ashley Darby’s husband, Michael, closing September.

Though the charges had been dropped a month later, a trailer for the approaching season confirms that the scandal will serve as a big plot level. Scroll down for details about the allegations and Ashley’s response to the surprising information.

A cameraman accused Michael Darby of sexual assault.

During filming for Season 4, a team member claimed the Australian millionaire, who made his cash in actual estate, groped and grabbed his butt. "As I turned around he smiled and gave me a flirtatious look," the cameraman said in court docket paperwork filed on Sept. 4, 2018. 

The employee said he told Michael to forestall and then reported the incident to his supervisors. He additionally attempted to get a restraining order in opposition to the 59-year-old, however used to be denied. 

While the investigation was nonetheless ongoing, Bravo introduced that they'd suspended the father-of-two from filming. "We take all allegations seriously and then proceed accordingly with our producing partners," the network mentioned on the time. 

Ashley never made an legitimate commentary concerning the charges, but stood through her husband throughout the month-long ordeal, posting a couple of pictures of Michael on Instagram. Fans were not positive what to imagine given that fellow forged member Gizelle Bryant as soon as referred to as out the Aussie for touching any other guy's butt in Season 1. 

Ultimately, prosecutors dropped the costs of criminal assault and misdemeanor incorrect sexual behavior — which carried a imaginable Eleven years at the back of bars — in early October because of insufficient evidence. 

Michael Darby is able to put the scandal at the back of him.

In a remark following the court docket’s choice to drop the costs, Michael stated, "Our good name and reputation have been upheld through the abandonment of this case by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office. It is unfortunate that high-profile people are often sought out as targets, and in this situation, someone tried to take advantage of me."

Public Affairs Director for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, Ramon Korionoff, informed People in October that his crew used to be not able to touch the cameraman for follow-ups. 

"The complaining witness states there were no witnesses who actually saw the incident, however that he did inform his supervisors immediately after," the director explained. "He provided several contact numbers for his supervisors, however no one ever called us back. We called the complaining witness to update him, however he hasn’t returned our call."

Bravo later confirmed that Michael had resumed filming for RHOP. 

Ashley Darby is recently pregnant with the couple’s first child. 

The 30-year-old announced on Feb. 5 that the couple is anticipating a toddler. "Very excited to share this special news with you my loves. Michael and I are thrilled to welcome a bundle of joy into our lives. The most incredible gift imaginable! Love and light to you," Ashley wrote on Instagram. 

This is the first child for the former pageant queen, who’s stepmom to Michael’s 33- and 35-year-old kids. Ashley not too long ago confirmed off her rising baby bump on the RHOP premiere party.

"Love my main man by my side," she captioned a photo of her and her hubby. "The love of my life. Thank you for being my hot date at the season 4 premiere party! And then coming home to rub my swollen feet."

Watch the Season Four premiere of Bravo’s The Real Housewives of Potomac on May 5 at Nine p.m. ET.

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