Karen Huger Enters Rehab To Avoid Scrutiny at ‘RHOP’ Reunion and Garner Sympathy At Prison Sentencing!
Karen Huger Enters Rehab To Avoid Scrutiny at ‘RHOP’ Reunion and Garner Sympathy At Prison Sentencing!
Karen Huger is hoping to garner sympathy at her upcoming sentencing hearing by entering rehab while strategically avoiding the scrutiny at the Real Housewives of Potomac reunion.
Karen Huger is sitting out of the Real Housewives of Potomac season 9 reunion, leaving fans questioning her absence from the reunion taping.
The seating chart for the reunion, released on Thursday, Jan. 9, listed all of the major stars including Stacey Rusch, Wendy Osefo, Mia Thornton, host Andy Cohen, Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, and Keiarna Stewart — but Huger’s face was missing. Her absence comes just weeks after she was found guilty on charges of DUI and DWI following her arrest in March 2024.
Karen’s Absence Explained
Huger’s manager, Ryan Tresdale, explained her absence in a statement to *PEOPLE* that was first obtained by Bravo’s Daily Dish.
“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so was unable to attend the reunion taping today,” the statement read. “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 a significant step forward in her personal growth.”
Her decision to take a step back for her personal well-being came just after she was convicted in a DUI and DWI case. This legal situation likely weighed heavily on her, prompting the star to focus on her recovery and health.
Fans and Porsha Williams React to Karen’s Absence
Upon noticing Karen’s absence, fans took to the comments to express their confusion and concern. Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams also voiced her concerns, asking, “Where is Karen ??”
Fans of the Real Housewives franchise had been eagerly anticipating the reunion, but Karen’s absence has only added to the growing intrigue surrounding her personal life and recent legal troubles.
Karen’s Legal Troubles and DUI Verdict
The news of Karen’s absence follows her guilty verdict on DUI and DWI charges from an incident in March 2024. Following the verdict, her attorney, A. Scott Bolden, released a statement to PEOPLE exclusively, expressing disappointment in the jury’s decision but reaffirming Karen’s right to pursue an appeal.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” Bolden said. “We continue to reserve Mrs. Huger’s right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”
Andy Cohen’s Reaction to Karen’s Legal Issues
Andy Cohen, the executive producer of RHOP and host of the reunions, also expressed his sorrow over Karen’s situation. Cohen told PEOPLE in December that the verdict was “all sad.”
“I haven’t really processed it yet,” Cohen added at SiriusXM’s 10th Annual Radio Andy Holiday Hangout. “But I think it’s very sad.”
Cohen’s comments reflect the general sentiment surrounding Karen’s legal troubles, with many fans sympathizing with the reality star while also feeling concern for her personal and professional journey.
Details of the DUI Arrest
Karen’s legal issues stem from a March 19, 2024, arrest in Potomac, Maryland, when she was involved in a single-vehicle collision. Montgomery County Police reported that Karen had crossed a median and struck multiple street signs. Fortunately, she was not injured in the accident.
Huger faced multiple charges from the incident, including failure to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision, driving a vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed, driving a vehicle with suspended registration, and failure to notify the administration of a change of address.
Police Body Cam Footage and Public Reaction
Following the arrest, body cam footage of the incident was released and obtained by local news outlets, including FOX 5 DC. In the footage, officers questioned Karen after the accident. An officer asked, “Do you remember the accident?” to which she replied, “Yes.” When asked what happened, Karen responded, “Nothing really.”
As her husband, Ray Huger, searched for her documents, the officers continued questioning Karen about the incident, particularly regarding her alcohol consumption. At one point, Ray can be heard saying, “Somebody ran you off the road,” to which Karen replied, “They did.”
Karen appeared hesitant to answer the officer’s questions about how much she had been drinking, instead telling them to “talk to my husband.” Ray, as seen in the footage, commented, “They’re assuming that you had more than you should have and I’m assuming you know, you had a couple of beers or something like that.” Karen responded, “Yes, that’s all I had.”
The footage also shows a look at her light-colored Maserati, which had significant damage, including a major dent on the driver’s side of the engine and a crushed headlight.
Karen’s Path Forward
While fans are left wondering about the future of Karen’s role on RHOP, her focus for now is on her recovery and personal growth. Karen’s absence from the reunion taping marks a pivotal moment in her journey, as she chooses to prioritize her health over her public persona.
As Karen embarks on her recovery program, fans and fellow cast members will undoubtedly continue to support her, hoping she emerges stronger both personally and professionally.
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Avigail is an Entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, who specializes in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She’s a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas, with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV watching, pop culture and spoken word.