Karen Huger checks herself into rehab to escape the scrutiny of the RHOP reunion and Garner's sympathy during her prison sentence!

Karen Huger checks herself into rehab to escape the scrutiny of the RHOP reunion and Garner's sympathy during her prison sentence!

Karen Huger hoping to garner sympathy at the upcoming sentencing hearing by entering rehab while strategically avoiding scrutiny Real Housewives of Potomac reunion.

Karen Huger sitting out of Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9 reunion, causing fans to question her absence from the reunion taping.

The list of reunion locations, released on Thursday, January 9, lists all the major stars, including Stacey Rush, Wendy Osefo, Mia Thorntonhost Andy Cohen, Giselle Bryant, Ashley Darbyand Cairn Stewart — but Huger's face was missing. Her absence comes just weeks after she was found guilty of DUI and DWI charges following her arrest in March 2024.

An explanation for Karen's absence

Huger's manager Ryan Tresdale explained her absence in a statement to * PEOPLE * first obtained by Bravo's Daily Dish.

“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program and therefore 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 important 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 right after she was convicted of DUI and DWI. This legal situation may have been very stressful for her, prompting the star to focus on her recovery and health.

Fans and Porsha Williams react to Karen's absence

Noticing Karen's absence, fans took to the comments to express their confusion and concern. Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams also expressed her concern, asking, “Where's Karen??”

Fans from Real Housewives the franchise was looking forward to the reunion, but Karen's the absence has only added to the growing intrigue surrounding her personal life and recent legal troubles.

Karen's legal troubles and DUI conviction

News of Karen's absence follows her guilty verdict on DUI and DWI charges related to the March 2024 incident. After the verdict, her attorney, A. Scott Bolden, released a statement exclusively to PEOPLE, expressing disappointment in but reaffirming the jury's decision. Karen's the right to appeal.

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

Andy Cohen's reaction to Karen's legal issues

Andy Cohen, executive producer of the film RHOP and leader of the meetings, also expressed sadness about it Karen's the situation. Cohen told PEOPLE in December that the verdict was “all sad.”

“I haven't really processed it yet,” Cohen added on SiriusXM's 10th annual Radio Andy Holiday Hangout. “But I think it's very sad.”

Cohen's comments reflect the general sentiment Karen's legal issues, with many fans sympathizing with the reality star while also feeling concerned about her personal and professional path.

Details about a DUI arrest

Karen's legal issues stem from a March 19, 2024 arrest in Potomac, Maryland, when she was involved in a single-vehicle crash. Montgomery County Police reported Karen had crossed the median and hit several street signs. Fortunately, she was not injured in the accident.

Huge Several charges stemmed from the accident, including failure to control the speed of a vehicle on a highway to avoid a collision, driving in excess of a reasonable and prudent speed, driving with a suspended registration and failure to notify the administration of a change of address. .

Police body camera footage and public reaction

After the arrest, body camera footage of the incident was released and obtained by local news outlets, including FOX 5 DC. In the video footage, Karen was interrogated by the police after the accident. The officer asked, “Do you remember the accident?” to which she replied, “Yes.” When asked what happened, Karen said, “Nothing really.”

While her husband, Ray Huger, searched for her papers, the officers continued to question Karen about what had happened, particularly regarding her alcohol consumption. At one point, Ray can be heard saying, “Someone ran you off the road,” to what Karen replied, “They did.”

Karen She 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 assume you had more than you should have, and I assume you know, you had a couple of beers or something.” Karen replied, “Yes, that's all I had.”

The footage also shows her light-coloured Maserati with significant damage, including a large dent on the driver's side of the engine and a smashed headlight.

Karen's way forward

While fans wonder about the future Karen's role further RHOP, she is currently focusing on 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.

How Karen begins her recovery program, fans and colleagues will no doubt continue to support her in hopes that she will become stronger both personally and professionally.

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Evegail is an entertainment blogger at All About The Tea, specializing in The Real Housewives of Atlanta and The Real Housewives of Potomac. Avigail has a background in marketing. She is a Brooklynite living in the Bahamas with a passion for travel, writing, reality TV, pop culture and spoken word.