‘RHOP:’ Ashley Darby Says She Experienced More Marital Trouble After the Birth of Her Son
Ashley Darby’s desire to start a family has been a central storyline on RHOP. The former pageant queen and her husband have been open about their marital struggles, which include rumors of Michael’s infidelity, and their journey to parenthood. Ashley’s dream came true with the birth of her baby son, Dean. Now, Ashley is opening up about new marital challenges since giving birth.
Ashley Darby and Michael Darby’s marital issues involved starting a family and trust issues
Michael’s receptiveness to Ashley wanting a family has been up and down. Michael has financially provided for Ashley since the start of their relationship. Michael’s also supported Ashley’s mother, Sheila, which causes issues between the Darby’s.
Michael’s hesitation to start a family was a red flag for Ashley. Michael insisted he would not start a family until Ashley cut her dependent mother off.
Rumors about Michael’s infidelity also persisted. A Bravo cameraman accused and sued Michael for allegedly groping him, but the case was dismissed. Ashley stood by Michael but admits the situation took a toll on their marriage and their trust.
Ashley Darby says the birth of her son brought new marital issues
Ashley and Michael eventually got to a better place in their marriage. Ashley credits a six month separation period for helping the two realize they want to be together. After reconciling, they focused on starting a family.
She became pregnant but sadly miscarried a few weeks into the pregnancy. In an exclusive with People Magazine in February 2019, Ashley confirmed that she and Michael were expecting. Their son Dean was born in July of the same year.
Related: ‘RHOP’: Ashley Darby Welcomes First Child Amid Allegations of Husband Wanting to Sleep with a Man
In a new interview with Bossip, Ashley says having a baby brought on new challenges in her marriage.
“I would be lying to you if I said everything was perfect,” Ashley said. “My relationship definitely took a hit when we had a baby. The common thread that we had between us seemed a little bit frayed, and it did cause problems between us.”
She admits intimacy is the main challenge with her and Michael with a new baby. In the trailer for the upcoming season, Ashley says her sex drive has diminished. Luckily, quarantine has helped put the spark back in their relationship as Michael’s bond with Dean is what Ashley loves most.
“Michael is an incredibly hands-on father,” Ashley said, adding that her own father wasn’t in her life growing up. “He’s there for every waking moment with the baby. I didn’t really understand what it would look like for a father to be involved with his child. I’m learning and I’m experiencing it too.”
Rumors of Michael Darby cheating will air on the upcoming season of ‘RHOP’
Rumors about Michael cheating are not foreign but new allegations surface in the upcoming season. The trailer documents Ashley’s co-stars reacting to tabloid gossip of Michael spending time with strippers during a night out.
A tearful conversation between Michael and Ashley is shown in the trailer, as Michael explains what happened on the evening in question in the trailer. RHOP returns on August 2 on Bravo.
