Karen Huger entered a private treatment facility weeks before missing the RHOP Season 9 reunion taping, TV Deets can exclusively report.
The reunion no-show drama comes after Bravo released a seating chart earlier today (January 9) showing the Grande Dame suspiciously missing from the lineup.
Full-time Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Mia Thornton, Keiarna Stewart, Wendy Osefo, and Stacey Rusch are all in the seating chart while “Friends Of” Jacqueline Blake and Jassi Rideaux are also missing.
Later this afternoon, Karen’s representatives shared an exclusive statement with the network’s Daily Dish blog explaining her absence.
“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so was unable to attend the reunion taping today,” reads the statement from her manager Ryan Tresdale.
“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.”
According to insiders, the network was aware of the RHOP star’s decision to seek help and fully supports her in the move and despite rumors and comments online to the contrary, it was a personal choice and not court ordered.
TV Deets was first to reveal the Season 9 reunion was taping today (January 9).
DUI Conviction
Karen Huger missing the RHOP Season 9 reunion comes after she was convicted on DUI charges by a Maryland courtroom back on December 18.
The Real Housewives of Potomac star had been facing a list of charges over a March 19, 2024 incident where she crashed her vehicle, including “Driving a Vehicle While Impaired by Alcohol” and “Driving a Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol.” Her lawyers previously attempted to have the case thrown out, alleging an illegal search and seizure but a judge later denied the request.
According to the People’s Law Library of Maryland, DUI sentences in the state vary depending on the number of prior offenses. Penalties can range anywhere from a $500 fine and two months in jail up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail, probation, or house arrest.
TV Deets was first to report Karen’s conviction.
“Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes during this very frightening experience. I am still in shock from last nights incident, but grateful to be alive today,” Karen Huger said in a statement at the time of her arrest.
“With the passing of my Beloved Mother, Grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mothers Day approaching it has felt more like a tsunami… 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. I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider and then a tree,” she said.
She added, “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! I would like to stress, it’s important to understand your emotional state when driving and may this be a reminder to all to use their seatbelts, my Mother may be my Guardian Angel but the seatbelt saved my life.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac airs Sundays on Bravo.
