Yahoo Lifestyle “RHOP” Star Ashley Darby Files to Divorce Ex Michael Darby 2 Years After Announcing Separation
In April 2022, the Bravolebrity announced their separation after eight years of marriage
Ashley Darby has officially parted ways with her husband Michael Darby.
On Nov. 20, the Real Housewives of Potomac star, 36, filed for divorce from the entrepreneur, 64, according to online court records viewed by PEOPLE. The filing was uncontested, and comes two years after the couple — who share sons Dean and Dylan — announced their separation following eight years of marriage,
Ashley's attorney also confirmed the news to PEOPLE, saying: "I can confirm that Ashley Darby has filed for divorce from her husband, Michael Darby. Ashley is very happy that they were able to come to an amicable resolution that puts their children first."
In April 2022, Ashley shared a statement with Bravo's Daily Dish, addressing their decision to separate.
"We are aware that there will be many speculative views as to why we have made this decision," she said at the time. "People will be quick to assume that the causes were too much intrusion by reality TV into the most personal parts of our lives, age gap issues, cultural problems, or child-rearing differences."
"Pieces of all these may have affected our pure love for each other, but no one reason is the root cause of our mutual decision to go our separate ways," she added.
A source revealed to PEOPLE at the time that Ashley and Michael had "been having serious problems for about a year now." But it was "the inconsistencies within the relationship and trust issues" that caused the split on Ashley's end.
In October 2023, Ashley opened up about their breakup and how it will play out on the Bravo reality show.
"Michael and I have decided to separate, and it's a really difficult decision, but ultimately I think it is the best decision for us, because I just really am a different person than I was when he met me," she told Entertainment Tonight.
"It has just sort of been a long time coming," she admitted, "it's just been piling up."
The reality star also noted there was a "pivotal moment that made it come to fruition" in the midst of the couple's ongoing struggle with "different expectations for the relationship."
Ashley also confirmed that Michael would not be making an appearance on RHOP moving forward. "Michael has decided that he doesn't wanna be a part of [the show] anymore, and I respect that," she told the outlet. "It was a really difficult thing where he didn't have any privacy for a while there."
She added that, according to Michael, "I'm 62 years old, and I just wanna have my life back."
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Since their split, Ashley said she was slowly re-entering the dating world.
"It's definitely on my radar. I'm 34, you know what I'm saying? I'm in my prime, essentially, so yes, I think about it," she told Entertainment Tonight.
"I dabble here and there, to be honest, but it's still not something — especially while I'm still living here, I just don't think it's the right thing to do, you know?" she continued. "And I can't really give myself to anyone emotionally. I'm still pretty connected to Michael."
