Their continuing conflict, which was always shown in the hit reality show, has just now taken on a new twist with the lawsuit.
Michael Darby, a television personality who became known in the “Real Housewives” franchise due to his ex-wife’s involvement in the show “RHOP,” has filed a lawsuit against his fellow reality star Candiace Dillard for the oral sex claims she made during the most recent season.
If you recall, Candiace said that the real estate executive had oral sex with a man during one of the “RHOP” season 7 episodes. Around that time, she said that he “likes to leave you and go to a man named [censored’s] house and suck his d—,” adding that he also foots the bill for the sex acts.
Moreover, she went on to say that she was not “supposed to talk about this person, but he says Michael Darby is a client of his. That’s what you’re asking, cuz I was holding on to that.”
This obviously didn’t sit well with Michael, who later sent her a cease-and-desist letter earlier this year, alleging her claims were entirely false. She hasn’t, nevertheless, apologized for her claim, which prompted the former to file a defamation lawsuit.
“In making this statement, [Dillard-Bassett] initially hesitated and looked off-camera, indicated that what she about to say was salacious and imprudent, but nonetheless proceeded to intentionally utter the defamatory statement,” the court documents acquired by PEOPLE reads.
Not only that but \$2 million in damages are demanded in the defamation lawsuit since, according to his legal team, the housewife’s statement has caused him “public scorn, hatred, humiliation, ridicule, contempt and/or embarrassment.” \$1 million in compensatory damages and an additional \$1 million in punitive damages, plus interest, legal costs, and related expenses.
As you are all aware, throughout the years, “RHOP” has highlighted Candiace’s strained ties with both Michael and his separated wife. Unsurprisingly, she can make such allegations, but she now has to live with the repercussions of her actions, which harmed this man’s reputation.
Both Candiace Dillard and her attorney have yet to make any remarks or statements about the defamation lawsuit as of the time of this writing. And while it is unclear how the lawsuit would affect the already tense friendship between Darby and Dillard, it is obvious that their feud is far from done.
Reactions to "RHOP" Michael Darby Files Lawsuit Against Candiace Dillard Over Oral Sex Allegations
She was just going at the reunion that can’t just go around just saying whatever and it looks like she was right!
She was just going at the reunion that can’t just go around just saying whatever and it looks like she was right! https://t.co/aYH2Tm4OJ1 pic.twitter.com/uK4IpC3rc3
— Trigga (@tripsyland_) March 2, 2023
Lmao please he should give that money to Ashley and the kiddos and leave my good sis Candiace alone.. pls pls
Lmao please he should give that money to Ashley and the kiddos and leave my good sis Candiace alone.. pls pls https://t.co/gEz5akRGPd
— ✨Miss Williams✨ (@Mz_Sierra_Leone) March 3, 2023
If he wins, that can be Ashley’s alimony 😂
If he wins, that can be Ashley’s alimony 😂 https://t.co/FUoYSZCMXV
— Cillian Murphy Lee (@_misslisette) March 2, 2023