Karen Huger enters rehab for DUI conviction

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

The Grande Dame was found guilty of DUI in December following her March arrest. The reality star was charged with DUI and DWI after she crashed into a pole in Montgomery County, Maryland on March 19, 2024.

Karen Huger was taken into custody by the Montgomery County Police Department after the crash.

According to Bravo, “Food of the day“Hugger's manager, Ryan Tresdale, released a statement saying the 'RHOP' star has decided to enter a rehabilitation program.

“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program,” the statement said. “That's why (she) was unable to attend the reunion taping today. She was fully supported in that choice. We stand behind Karen as she embarks on this important journey and are proud of her for taking such an important step forward in her personal growth.”

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

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

An EMT at the scene said the “RHOP” star was “swaying on his feet, refusing treatment and verbally abusing first responders” after the crash. Huger's husband, Ray, was also at the scene.

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

“Yes,” she replied. When asked what happened, she said. “Nothing really,” prompting the husband to say, “Someone ran you off the road.”

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

The “RHOP” star's husband, Ray, was at the scene after the accident and advised police that his wife had only had “a couple of beers” the night of the crash.

The protective husband also tried, but failed, to limit communication between his wife and the officers when they asked Karen how much alcohol she had consumed.

“I'm just saying, they assume you had more than you should have, and I assume you know, you had a couple of beers or something,” Ray said.

Karen replied, “Yeah, that's all I had.”

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

After Huger was arrested, she was taken to the police station for questioning.

As a police officer helped the “RHOP” star out of the cruiser, she stumbled and exclaimed, “I'm lit!”

“You are enlightened,” replied the officer.

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

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

After the shocking video of Huger's arrest was shared YouTubefans reacted to the footage.

One fan commented: “I hate it for Karen, but she, she needs help. She's stoned.”

Another fan wrote: “No Big Lady!!!”

After finding guiltyHuger's attorney, A. Scott Bolden, issued a statement PEOPLE said she was “disappointed” by the guilty verdict but planned to appeal.

“While we are disappointed with the jury's verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time spent working on our case,” Bolden wrote. “We continue to reserve Ms. Huger's right to appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Ms. Huger and her family during this time.”

Huger will be sentenced on January 29.