Karen Huger from ‘RHOP’ Misses Reunion, Goes to Rehab After DUI Conviction

Karen Huger did not attend “The Real Housewives of Potomac” reunion taping because she’s entered rehab.

The Grande Dame was convicted of DUI in December, following her arrest back in March. She faced charges of DUI and DWI after crashing her Maserati into a pole in Montgomery County, Maryland on March 19, 2024.

Karen Huger was arrested by the Montgomery County Police Department following the crash.

Reports from Bravo’s “The Daily Dish” revealed that Huger’s manager, Ryan Tresdale, issued a statement explaining that the “RHOP” star had opted to enter a recovery program.

“Karen made a crucial choice to enroll in a private recovery program,” the statement read. “As a result, she was unable to participate in the reunion taping today. Her decision was fully supported, and we stand by Karen as she starts this important journey towards personal growth.”

The 61-year-old reality star was found guilty of a DUI and could face up to two years in prison, according to FOX 5 News.

Fox 5 News shared police body camera footage from the arrest, and the video captured Huger slurring her words and appearing intoxicated after she crashed into a pole near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac.

An EMT on the scene said the “RHOP” star “swayed on her feet, refused treatment, and verbally lashed out at first responders” following the crash. Huger’s husband, Ray, was also on the scene.

One officer asked Huger, “Do you remember the accident?”

“Yes,” she replied. After being asked what happened, she said. “Nothing really,” prompting her husband to say, “Somebody ran you off the road.”

“They did,” said Karen. However, when the officer asked her, “Do you remember that vehicle at all?” the Bravo star replied, “No.”

The “RHOP” star’s husband, Ray, was on the scene following the accident, and he suggested to the police that his wife only had “a couple of beers” on the evening of the crash.

The protective husband also tried to limit the communication between his wife and the officers as they asked Karen how much alcohol she’d consumed, but he was unsuccessful.

“I’m just saying, 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,” said Ray.

Karen replied, “Yes, that’s all I had.”

Huger reportedly refused a breathalyzer test and declined a field sobriety test, but she was arrested on the scene.

After Huger was arrested, she was brought to the police station to be processed.

As the police officer was helping the “RHOP” star get out of the cruiser, she stumbled and exclaimed, “I’m lit!”

“You are lit,” replied the officer.

The reality star’s lawyers argued in court that she was only “emotionally distressed” but not intoxicated when she crashed.

In addition to being found guilty of DUI, Huger was convicted of negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, and failure to notify authorities of an address change. The reality star was acquitted of reckless driving charges.

After the shocking video of Huger’s arrest was shared on YouTube, fans reacted to the footage.

One fan noted, “I hate this for Karen, but she, she needs help. She is stone drunk.”

Another fan wrote, “Not The Grand Dame!!!”

After being found guilty, Huger’s lawyer, A. Scott Bolden, gave a statement to PEOPLE saying she was “disappointed” by the guilty verdict but plans to appeal.

“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” wrote Bolden. “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.”

Huger will be sentenced on Jan. 29.