‘RHOP’ Suspends Michael Darby From Filming After Sexual Assault Claims!
Michael Darby Suspended!
The Real Housewives of Potomac has suspended filming with Michael Darby, 59, amid shocking sexual assault charges.
Bravo released the following statement on Friday:
“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,” the statement continued. “Bravo and Truly Original, the production company for ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac,’ have suspended filming with Michael Darby.”
The production company for The Real Housewives of Potomac, Truly Original, also released a statement:
“We take all allegations of sexual and other misconduct seriously, and have stringent policies, as well as training, in place to deal with all employee issues,” the statement read.
“Immediately upon learning of these allegations, we commenced a thorough internal review and, per our protocol, took all appropriate steps to ensure the safe working environment and safe forum for communication for everyone associated with the production. The review is ongoing and we are not able to comment further.”
As reported, cameraman Orville Palmer said in charging documents that the show was filming in Potomac, Maryland, on Sept. 1 when Darby “grabbed and groped” his butt. Additionally, Darby turned and gave him “a flirtatious look,” after assaulting him. Orville says he instructed Darby to stop, and then told his supervisor. The RHOP crew member pressed charges three days later.
Darby was charged with one count of second-degree assault and one count of fourth-degree sexual contact. He is facing a maximum of 11 years in prison if convicted.
Court documents reveal that the cameraman filed for a restraining order against Darby citing both the Sept. 1 incident and another alleged assault from August but the restraining order was denied.
Michael has been previously linked to gay affair rumors since the show debuted in January 2016. In late 2016, explicit photos surfaced linking the Aussie native to a sexual tryst with a young black man, during a stay in England.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnNNHjPh43c/?utm_source=ig_embed
During season one of the Bravo reality series, Michael Darby was called out by fellow RHOP cast member, Gizelle Bryant for “squeezing” another “Housewife’s” boyfriend’s butt. His wife, Ashley Darby, dismissed her husband’s actions as he “playfully touched” the man’s butt.
Sound off on Bravo’s decision to suspend Michael Darby from The Real Housewives of Potomac! Comment below.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.