RHOP’s Ashley Darby says stars ‘don’t last long’ if they fail to follow one key mantra

Ashley Darby, a long-standing cast member of The Real Housewives of Potomac, recently opened up about the unspoken rules and fierce loyalty that bind the cast together—at least for those who manage to stay. In an interview during the first-ever Hayu FanFest in London, Ashley explained that cast members who don’t adhere to a certain “code of ethics” often don’t last long on the show.

This season’s drama kicked off with an unexpected revelation: Karen Huger, a mainstay of the series, was involved in a serious car accident. The incident left Karen facing legal charges for negligent and reckless driving, endangering property, and risking the lives of those involved. The unexpected news shook the group, and much of the season revolves around the cast grappling with the aftermath of this incident—supporting Karen while trying to hold her accountable for her actions.

Despite the show’s trademark drama, Ashley emphasized that The Real Housewives of Potomac isn’t just about the high-stakes conflicts and intense arguments; it’s also a platform for connection among the women. “Family is important to us, who we are as people is important to us,” Ashley shared. “Yes, there will be issues, there will be drama, but there’s just a certain code of ethics that we operate by, and we all seem to follow that for the most part.”

However, it’s clear that this “code of ethics” is a significant, if unspoken, requirement for cast members hoping to stay in the group’s good graces. For Ashley, this sense of loyalty and integrity serves as a litmus test, and she’s observed that those who stray from these values quickly find themselves edged out of the group. As she put it simply, “Those who don’t [follow it], don’t last very long.”

When asked specifically about Karen’s situation, Ashley expressed a mix of concern and frustration. Karen, known for her charisma and loyalty, has been evasive about details of the accident, leaving her friends feeling caught between supporting her and demanding answers. “It was really challenging to address it, because obviously we really care about Karen,” Ashley explained. “But unfortunately, if you don’t tell the story, other people will tell it for you. I just wish we had more facts, and hopefully, she gets more comfortable sharing about it.”

While The Real Housewives of Potomac delivers its fair share of dramatic moments, this season also offers a rare glimpse into the code that unites the women—a loyalty that Ashley insists is the true backbone of the show. Whether Karen chooses to share her side of the story or not, it’s evident that this code of ethics will continue to define the group as they navigate both scandals and friendships.