Arts & Entertainment
‘Real Housewives of Potomac’s Michael Darby charged with sexual assault
The restaurant owner could face 11 years in prison
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Michael Darby (Screenshot via YouTube)
“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Michael Darby has been charged with sexual assault, according to court documents obtained by TMZ.
Darby, 59, is married to “Real Housewives of Potomac” cast member Ashley Darby. The couple own the Australian restaurant Oz in Arlington, Va., which is frequently shown on the show.
Orville Palmer, a cameraman for “Real Housewives of Potomac,” alleges that Darby “grabbed and groped” his butt while filming for the show on Sept. 1. NBC4 Washington reports that filming took place at a home on Pleasant Hill Drive in Potomac, Md.
“As I turned around he smiled and gave me a flirtatious look,” Palmer claims in the documents.
Palmer says he told Darby to stop and then notified his supervisor.
Darby has been charged with felony assault and misdemeanor improper sexual contact. The maximum sentence would be 11 years in prison.
Palmer also filed for a restraining order from Darby after another alleged incident at L2 Lounge in Georgetown in August. Palmer alleges that Darby kicked him in the butt during filming. However, the restraining order was denied.
Darby’s actions have come into question on the show. In season one, “Real Housewives of Potomac” co-star Gizelle Bryant says she saw Darby “squeezing” another man’s butt. Ashley said it was “a joke.”
“My man has sex with me, he loves me and he gives it to me good,” Ashley said. “So quite frankly, whatever he does in joking manners is not a reflection of my man’s sexuality. You’re reading into it so far.”
Update: Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s office dropped all charges against Darby on Thursday, Oct. 4 citing no evidence, no witnesses and no events.
“The case was dismissed due to insufficient evidence,” Ramon Korionoff, a spokesman for the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, said in a statement.
Mike Rowan, Darby’s attorney, added: “The charges were dropped. They were baseless. There were a number of alleged witnesses who said it did not happen. The peace order request by the alleged victim was also denied. There was simply nothing that happened, and nothing here.”
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The 2024 New York City Pride Parade wound through the streets of Manhattan and past the historic Stonewall Inn on Sunday, June 30.
(Washington Blade photos by Daniel Truitt)
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The fourth annual Fredericksburg Pride march and festival was held at Riverfront Park in Fredericksburg, Va. on Saturday, June 29. The event began with a march around downtown Fredericksburg beginning and ending in the park.
(Washington Blade photos by Michael Key)
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Covering Fredericksburg Pride for @WashBlade . City Council member @WillMackintosh speaking: pic.twitter.com/tDdVD2IVsM
— Michael Patrick Key (@MichaelKeyWB) June 29, 2024
Photos
PHOTOS: Goodwin Living Pride
Senior living and healthcare organization holds fourth annual march at Falls Church campus
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The senior living and healthcare organization Goodwin Living held its fourth annual community Pride march around its Bailey’s Crossroads campus in Falls Church, Va. with residents, friends and supporters on Tuesday, June 25. Following the march, a drag brunch was held with performances by drag artists of SADBrunch: Crimsyn, Sapphire Dupree and Evon Dior Michelle.
(Photos courtesy of Goodwin Living)
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