Real Housewife Ashley Darbys Fans React to Separation Announcement

Real Housewives of Potomac star Ashley Darby has confirmed that she and her husband Michael have separated, and said that their “romantic bond is broken.”

Fans of the reality television star are applauding her decision after rumors of her husband’s infidelity plagued their marriage for years with his alleged cheating scandals leading to dramatic storylines on the show.

Ashley, 33, and the Australian businessman—who is 29 years her senior—share sons Dean, 2, and Dylan, 1. They got married in May 2014.

“Almost eight years ago, when Michael and I said ‘I do,’ we anticipated sharing every single day together from that moment forward. Unfortunately, that is not our current reality,” Ashley Darby said in a statement to Bravo’s The Daily Dish.

“We have decided to separate. We are aware that there will be many speculative views as to why we have made this decision.”

The mom-of-two went on to say that people may assume the reason for their separation as being “too much intrusion by reality TV into the most personal parts of our lives, age gap issues, cultural problems, or child-rearing differences.”

She continued: “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.”

Ashley Darby confirmed that she and her husband are “both at very different stages in our lives and have different goals for our futures,” adding: “We both want the other to achieve true happiness and fulfillment and feel that we cannot do this together.”

In the show, Michael Darby was caught naked with another woman and is facing accusations of groping a producer.

He has denied the accusations against him but the scandals prompted Ashley Darby to draw up a post-nuptial agreement in 2021.

Previously, in 2020, Ashley took to Instagram to address why she stayed with Michael after the cheating scandals.

“I will tell you that I have not always been the best wife to my husband and I haven’t always been the most faithful,” she admitted. “So Michael has forgiven me. I’ve made mistakes and we’ve moved on and that’s how I can move forward with him.”

Announcing their separation this week, Ashley Darby said that she and Michael will always “love and respect each other” and urged their commitment to raising their sons.

“While our romantic bond is broken, we will always love and respect each other. We also know that true happiness can only be achieved by continuing to work together and putting our hearts and souls into raising our two beautiful boys, Dean and Dylan,” she said.

“They will always feel loved and supported, for they were truly created out of love. As this is a personal matter for us, we appreciate everyone who has been a part of our journey and ask for your continued support by respecting us as we go through this emotional situation.”

Fans are celebrating Ashley Darby’s decision on social media today, despite questioning why they hadn’t parted ways sooner.

“Ashley divorcing Michael Darby (aka the devil) makes so much sense with my fantasy. Sad it took so long but happy to be here nonetheless. I hope she takes him for all he’s worth and he can now happily scroll Orange Facebook without a care in the world,” said Twitter user Jack Remmington.

While another celebrated with a gif and added: “Me hearing the news that Ashley Darby is finally separating from that gremlin of a husband.”

“Happy Ashley Darby liberation day!” said another.

While another fan tweeted: “Ashley and Michael Darby divorcing… the timing is impeccable but yes girl, cash that check.”