Why will Karen Huger not be a part of The Real Housewives of Potomac reunion? Details explored

While The Real Housewives of Potomac season 9 is still airing weekly on Bravo, the cast recently reunited on January 9 with Andy Cohen to film for the reunion episode. Bravo shared the news along with their seating lineup with a January 9 Instagram post.

Fans were quick to notice that cast member Karen Huger was not included in the promotional post. Bravo's The Daily Dish confirmed, on the same day, that the star was not present during the reunion taping and shared a statement issued by her manager Ryan Tresdale about her absence.

In the statement, the manager explained Huger's absence, noting that she had decided to enter a private recovery program.

"Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so was 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 a significant step forward in her personal growth," the statement read.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger's DUI arrest and hearing

In March 2024, The Real Housewives of Potomac star Karen Huger was charged in Maryland with a DUI and DWI, carelessly driving a vehicle in a reckless manner, and endangering property, life, and person.

TMZ was the first to report the news on March 20, 2024. They noted that the reality star was allegedly driving in an "aggressive manner" and very fast before crashing her Maserati. The outlet further mentioned that while Huger wasn't arrested on the site, she received several citations and was given fines ranging from $50 to $510.

Following a two-day hearing on December 17 and 18, 2024, she was found guilty on multiple charges. The same day, Huger's attorney, A. Scott Bolden, told People in an exclusive statement that while they were disappointed in the jury’s verdict, they respected the decision and appreciated the jury for hearing their case.

"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,” the statement continued.

The Real Housewives of Potomac star was found guilty on all charges except reckless driving, and the Huger's rep further told People that she was scheduled to be sentenced on January 29, 2025.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac's Karen Huger opens up on the day of the incident

In an interview with TMZ on March 20, 2024, Karen Huger broke her silence on the night of the incident. After expressing her gratitude for all the prayers and well wishes she received, she said that she was still in shock from last night's incident and was grateful to be alive.

She further explained that on that day, she was grieving the loss of her mother, who passed away in 2017, and became emotional, especially with Mother's Day approaching.

"Last night I met a girlfriend for dinner, we talked and brought up some very emotionally sensitive topics. I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me," she said.

She continued:

"I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider, and then a tree. I'm hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive! I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident which is understandable, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away!"

The Real Housewives of Potomac star concluded her statement by advising her fans to be aware of their "emotional state" when driving. She also emphasized the importance of wearing seatbelts, sharing that it played a crucial role in saving her life.

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The Real Housewives of Potomac season 9 episodes are released every Sunday at 8 pm ET/PT on Bravo and are available to watch on Peacock the next day.