‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star Monique Samuels is fighting back against co-star Candiace Dillard and has filed counter assault charges.
via Page Six:
In a statement to Page Six, Samuels’ attorney A. Scott Bolden referred to Dillard by her married name, and said, “At this point in our investigation, we had no choice but to file this criminal summons case after several attempts to mediate this situation with Ms. Bassett were rejected by herself and her team.”
Samuels, 36, and Dillard, 32, allegedly got into an altercation at a dinner party on Oct. 16. A source told People Samuels pulled Dillard’s hair during the fight, but Bolden previously told us his client’s actions were in self-defense.
He reiterated that stance on Monday, saying, “My client was assaulted by someone known for her aggressive, threatening and belligerent conduct. On this regard, Mrs. Samuels had no choice but to fully defend herself and she did.”
Bolden continued, “Nevertheless, my client wants nothing more than to find peace with this situation but unfortunately the ability to do so through mediation has been denied. Therefore this summons is the proper next step for Mrs. Samuels and her right to self defense.”
Dillard’s attorney James Walker told us in response to the new charges that he and Dillard will “gladly” see Samuels in court. He also alleged that there is video footage of the incident, seemingly confirming an initial source’s claims that Bravo’s cameras were rolling during the fight.
“I did not know innocent people filed counter claims as a strategic move after we all know they have been charged and caught on video threatening and attacking our client!” Walker said in an email on Monday. “We pray she is presently getting some type of treatment for anger management! The video is very clear and my client and I have confirmed with the network that Mrs. Samuels was clearly the aggressor!”
According to the summons, filed at the Montgomery County District Court, Dillard was charged with second-degree assault, the same charge Samuels is facing. A trial date is set for Dec. 23.
According to those in attendance at BravoCon over the weekend, fellow ‘RHOP’ stars Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby said that while Candiace started the altercation, Monique finished it — strongly.
