Michael Darby, former cast member of Bravo’s reality show “The Real Housewives of Potomac,” is taking legal action against fellow cast member Candiace Dillard Bassett for making defamatory remarks regarding his sexual orientation. Darby, who was previously accused of sexually assaulting a male cameraman, has filed a lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages for the impact Dillard Bassett’s comments have had on his reputation.
During a heated argument between Ashley Darby and Dillard Bassett on a recent episode of RHOP, Dillard Bassett made claims that Darby solicited sex with a man, causing further speculation about his sexuality. The court documents cited in the lawsuit state that Dillard Bassett’s remarks were “salacious, imprudent, and/or would be harmful to Mr. Darby’s reputation.”
The allegations come after previous accusations of Darby’s sexual misconduct, which were eventually cleared. However, the recent claims have reignited scrutiny on the former reality star, who is currently in the midst of a divorce from Ashley Darby.
According to the court documents, Darby attempted to contact Dillard Bassett in January to request that she “cease and desist from publishing or making any further defamatory statements regarding Mr. Darby.” However, Dillard Bassett has yet to respond to the lawsuit or retract her statements.
The case highlights the impact that false and damaging claims can have on individuals, particularly members of the LGBTQ community who have historically faced discrimination and marginalization. Darby’s legal action seeks to protect his reputation and challenge harmful stereotypes surrounding queer identity.
