We have so much to be grateful for in 2025, including a watchable (great, even) season’s end to The Real Housewives of Potomac. I never thought the day would come after too many seasons of Struggle Bus City, but alas we left 2024 with something! But thanks to some key newbies (Stacey and her v interesting boyfriend, to name two MVPs) the old gang has been able to get their groove back. One thing that hasn’t been so pretty to watch? The downfall of the Grande Dame. In watching part one of the RHOP reunion, it’s shocking to see Karen’s castmates — from Ashley to Wendy to Keiarna — be just as dumbfounded that Karen didn’t show up to face the music after all the staunch defending Karen did over the last season. But, luckily for the viewers, even though Karen did not show, the producers were about to capture exclusive video responses to her DUI conviction. What did Karen Huger say about her DUI conviction at the RHOP reunion? I’m breaking the DMV update.

Karen Huger DUI Conviction Reaction

Karen Huger’s Statement On Her DUI Conviction At The RHOP Season 9 Reunion

In an immediate reaction video to the news of her conviction, Karen said her “heart dropped” when the verdict was read but that she accepts “full responsibility” for the consequences of her accident. When a producer brought up the impending sentencing, set for February 26, 2026, Karen tearfully admitted “I don’t care about me right now, but I care about my children, and my family” who are “so hurt” by the situation. She also apologized to “young children” who looked up to her, who should “do as [she] says” not as she did. Still, Karen held firm that “no” she is not an alcoholic.

In a second video filmed December 27, 2024, where the 61-year-old is far more composed in a white gown than the initial response, Karen thanks her cast mates. She said she “first” wanted to thank Gizelle for their “friendship outside of this show,” highlighting a note Gizelle put in flowers for Karen to encourage Karen to take it one step at a time. Karen also thanked Kay, Jassi, and Candiace (who is no longer on the show) for supporting her through everything. Karen ended by going out of her way to thank Andy Cohen, even quoting her wild line from the DUI footage, where she told a cop that Andy was the one who named her the Grande Dame in the first place.

Still, even with the notable theatrics, Karen said she’s going to come back to the show as Karen, “not the Grande Dame.” That is if she’s not fired, after all!

Is Karen Huger going to rehab?

In the second video statement played at the reunion, Karen revealed that she was entering a treatment center to “get to the bottom” of why she was “taking antidepressants and drinking.” This is a slightly different stance than in her initial reaction video where she said she is not an alcoholic and doesn’t have a problem with alcohol. Mia claimed that she was not surprised at this news, as Mia had allegedly witnessed Karen being overly intoxicated at girls’ outings before.

How did the RHOP cast react to Karen’s video?

Gizelle was brought to tears by Karen’s second video statement where Karen Huger addressed (some) of her cast mates directly. Noticeably missing from Karen’s list of thank yous was Wendy Osefo, someone Karen formerly said was a ride or die of hers, and Ashley, who has been a forever frenemy of Karen’s for years. As Andy Cohen noted after the video finished, Wendy appeared to be “unmoved” by Karen’s glamorous thank you video. Wendy tried to stick to the fact that her own feelings were not a priority compared to Karen’s recovery but she did add that was “not her friend” on screen, referring to Karen’s nonchalant virtual moment. Wendy also noted out of all of the women, she had defended Karen the most.

Wendy and others around the couches questioned if Karen was only seeking treatment to lessen her statement. Gizelle chimed in that was def a possibility in her opinion, but at the same time, anyone in Karen’s position would do the same to spend less time in jail… honestly, a valid take. Kiearna agreed she “couldn’t knock the hustle.” Gizelle only wished Karen had chosen this route sooner as getting the help could’ve also helped with her case.

What happened to Karen at the end of RHOP season 9?

During the season 9 finale, the producers updated viewers that Karen went to the courthouse weeks after filming wrapped on December 9, 2024, where she was found guilty on five out of six charges by the jury. Karen was shown walking out of court with her husband Ray, as captions on screen explained that she could face up to two years in prison.