The Real Housewives of Potomac’s Karen Huger enters recovery program and misses reunion after DUI conviction
Karen Huger will miss the taping of The Real Housewives of Potomac season nine reunion as she enters a recovery facility, a month after she was convicted of drunken driving in March 2024 in Potomac, Maryland.
On Thursday, Huger’s manager Ryan Tresdale told Bravo’s The daily dish in a statement: “Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program and was therefore unable to attend the reunion taping today.
‘She was fully supported in this choice. We stand behind Karen as she embarks on this meaningful journey and are proud of her for taking such an important step forward in her personal growth.”
The Surry, Virginia-born reality star, 61, was not featured in promotional materials Bravo released to hype the seating for the New York City taping Instagram.
Huger’s costars Mia Thornton, Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Keiarna Stewart were seen with reunion host Andy Cohen in images posted to social media.
Huger, who goes by the nickname “Grand Dame,” was convicted Dec. 19 on charges of driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving with suspended registration and failure to report a change of address, with a charge of reckless driving withdrawn.
Karen Huger, 61, will miss the filming of the season nine reunion of The Real Housewives of Potomac as she enters a recovery facility, a month after she was convicted of driving under the influence in Potomac, Maryland, in March 2024. Pictured in LA last month
The Surry, Virginia-born reality star was not featured in promotional materials Bravo released hyping the seating for the New York City taping on Instagram
Huger will be sentenced in connection with the Jan. 29 convictions and faces up to two years in prison in connection with the offenses.
In the aftermath of her conviction, Huger’s attorney A. Scott Bolden said People in a statement: “While we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we naturally respect their decision and appreciate their time in considering our case.
“We continue to reserve Ms. Huger’s right to appeal and intend to pursue full justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”
Cohen told magazine Huger’s troubles last month: “I think it’s all sad. I haven’t really processed it yet, but I find it very sad.’
In the traffic incident that began March 19, Montgomery County Police Department officials said Huger was not injured as a result of a single-vehicle crash in which she drove through a median and destroyed a series of street signs. People reported.
After the verdict, authorities released police body camera footage recorded during Huger’s arrest last March. During questioning by police following the incident, Karen’s wife Ray Huger was seen coming to her aid.
Karen was asked, “Do you remember the accident?” to which she said, “Yes.”
The officer asked her, “What happened?” and she said, “Nothing really,” after which Ray was heard telling his wife, “Someone ran you off the road,” which she confirmed but said she could not remember the other vehicle involved.
After the verdict, authorities released police bodycam footage recorded during Huger’s arrest last March
Karen’s wife Ray Huger came to her aid in the police footage
Karen appeared to avoid specific questions from officers about her drinking on the night in question and at one point directed them to talk to Ray about it.
Ray said, “I’m just saying they’re assuming you’ve had more to drink than you should have, and I’m assuming you know you’ve had a few beers or something.”
Karen, who damaged the driver’s side of her Maserati in the incident, said: ‘Yes, that’s all I had.’
Last month, an insider told DailyMail.com that while “shooting for next season” of RHOP has wrapped, Karen “won’t be asked to return unless she cleans herself up” and has a “complete turnaround.”
The insider said, “Right now, she’s on the chopping block. Of course, she could end up going to jail, which would make it impossible for her to return anyway… she’ll have to sober up before any decisions are made.”
Another source told DailyMail.com: ‘People feel like she is in so much pain after losing her parents, but it still doesn’t excuse her behavior. It’s sad to watch the bodycam footage. She could have seriously injured, if not killed, someone.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo, with episodes available to stream on Peacock.