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Karen Huger is sitting this one out. On Thursday, Bravo revealed the seating chart for The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9 reunion, and Huger was noticeably absent. Now, she’s confirmed that she will not be at the reunion following her December 2024 DUI conviction. 

‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ star Karen Huger enters ‘private recovery program’ 

On Dec. 18, a Maryland jury found Huger guilty on multiple charges, including DUI and negligent driving, following a March 2024 car crash in Potomac, Maryland. She is facing up to two years in prison and is set to be sentenced on Jan. 29. 

While the rest of the RHOP cast is in New York for the reunion taping, Huger has opted to step away from the cameras in light of her personal problems, her representative said.

“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so was unable to attend the reunion taping today,” Huger’s manager Ryan Tresdale told Bravo’s The Daily Dish on Jan. 9. “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.”

Huger’s DUI was a storyline on ‘RHOP’ Season 9 

The cast of 'The Real Housewives of Potomac' season 9 pose for a photo while on vacation
(L-R) Jacqueline Blake, Mia Thornton, Keiarna Stewart, Wendy Osefo, Karen Huger, Ashley Darby, Gizelle Bryant, and Stacey Rusch of ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ Season 9 | Alberto Rodriguez/Bravo
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Huger’s car accident and subsequent DUI charges were a prominent storyline on RHOP Season 9, though Huger was reluctant to discuss the incident in detail. But that didn’t stop her fellow housewives from chattering about the situation. Some felt that the show’s grande dame needed to step up and take accountability for her actions – and make a serious effort to get sober. 

“I really think that we need to take her to rehab. We think she needs help,” Mia Thornton said in an RHOP episode that aired in early November. 

“She’s endangering people’s lives,” Jacqueline Blake added.  

Thornton has apparently gotten her wish that Huger seek help. But not everyone is pleased. Some fans felt that Huger was dodging tough questions by skipping the reunion.

“Karen if u skip the reunion that’s disappointing… you were on our screens saying u will be vindicated now u are no way to be found to explain yourself,” one person commented on Instagram. 

However, even though Huger will be a no-show on the reunion couch, we expect her situation to be a topic of discussion among the other attendees. Thornton has snagged a coveted spot next to host Andy Cohen, with Gizelle Bryant on his other side. Wendy Osefo is seated next to Thornton, followed by newcomer Stacey Rusch. Ashley Darby is next to Bryant, followed by Keiarna Stewart, who is also new to RHOP this season. 

Bravo has not announced an air date for The Real Housewives of Potomac Season 9 reunion. 

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