There is no doubt that Ashely Darby is living her best life on the newest season of the Real Housewives of Potomac. Even though Ash was once a kept woman, she has transitioned seamlessly into the group of wealthy ladies who lunch. Fans are currently watching Ashley hustle to keep her lifestyle afloat, which includes making nightclub appearances and viral TikTok videos. When Ashley solidifies her divorce from Michael Darby, she will have ongoing child support to help her move forward. So when will the dust finally settle? Ashley has always been upfront about documenting her ups and downs. So, it is safe to assume that once she has a major update, she will let viewers know. But let’s take a look at the timeline.
How Ashley Darby met and Married Michael Darby
The duo first locked eyes when Ashley worked as a bartender and Michael was the co-owner. It wasn’t long before the two started dating and then quickly married on the beach in 2014. Ashley was even featured on an episode of Say Yes to The Dress. But their relationship on the Real Housewives of Potomac didn’t always seem on the best terms. The former beauty queen was asked many questions and even accused of being a gold digger. Season 2 showed the couple struggling to work together to open their restaurant, Oz.
It was evident that Michael and Ashley did things differently. And there was that 29-year age gap to contend with. The Australian native had an enormous amount of business experience, and at times, it felt as if he regretted that his wife couldn’t keep up with his ideas. Fans quickly noticed that Michael had high expectations of his wife but didn’t hold the same scale for himself. It didn’t take long for the rest of the cast and Real Housewives of Potomac viewers to notice the cracks in their foundation.
Michael Darby’s cheating allegations
At the end of Season 2, Ashley revealed that she had moved out of the couple’s shared home. At the time Michael chalked her move up to be a test. He told Bravo cameras, saying, “She’s in her 20s. She’s feeling out who she is going into her evolving life and future. And I’m at my age, coming through the end of my career, looking to all kinds of things that are very different from some of the things I am looking for.” Michael didn’t seem to be phased, but there was more going on behind closed doors.
Michael had a history of stepping out on his wife. And even though she once claimed they had an open relationship. After having her first son, Ashley no longer wanted to participate in that lifestyle. In May 2019, photos of Michael and another woman were leaked. And again, in 2020, fans watched as the series showed footage of Michael out in Las Vegas with a woman in his room. Ashley tried to brush the allegations off, sharing, “Strangely, Michael venturing out the way he did has allowed me to finally be expressive about how we have done this together, and it’s a big relief.”
Michael Darby and Ashley Darby call it quits
At the start of Season 7 Real Housewives of Potomac, Ashley and Michael finally threw in the towel on their marriage. In a joint statement, the Bravolebs wrote, “We have decided to separate. We are aware that there will be many speculative views as to why we have made this decision.” However, it’s taken years for Ashley to want to move forward with the paperwork. Last week’s episode highlighted that the mother of two was finally ready to sign on the dotted line. While talking to her lawyer, Ash shared, “Before, I was kind of dragging my feet a little because I was just content with where things were. I’m ready to start dating.”
Ashley and Michael are still not divorced. The premiere showed that the Potomac star was willing to start mediation but wasn’t sure about what her husband was thinking. Now that Ashley is settling into her homeowner/single mom life, she is ready to leave her baggage at the door. But only time will tell how long this divorce will take.
Real Housewives of Potomac is streaming on Peacock.
