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Karen Huger has officially announced that she’s entered a rehab facility following her guilty driving under the influence verdict. However, many Real Housewives of Potomac fans aren’t moved by her latest stunt. On social media, watchers from around the world are going in on the veteran reality star. But why? Well, the veteran reality star committed an unforgivable sin in the Bravoverse. On January 9, the official Bravo Instagram account shared a photo of the Season 9 RHOP reunion seating chart. Watchers couldn’t help but notice Karen’s absence, which is a big no-no among the Housewives. The network teased that more information would be released soon, and they were right. Now, Karen is talking for the first time since her guilty verdict in December 2024.
Karen Skipped the RHOP Reunion Because She’s in Rehab
In the summer of 2024, news broke that Karen Huger was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence. In December 2024, after taking the case to trial, a jury found the Maryland reality star guilty. Shortly after, shocking body camera footage of her arrest was released online. The clips showed the 61-year-old swaying, slurring, and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward law enforcement. “I’m Thomas Jefferson’s concubine,” she said in one video.
Fans were hopeful she’d appear at the reunion, taped today, January 9, to share her side of things. However, their excitement faded when they learned she dipped on the big day. But it wasn’t because she didn’t want to face the music. Karen finally made an “important decision” regarding her recovery.
In the statement released by Karen’s rep, they revealed that Huger had to miss the RHOP reunion because she decided to “enter a private recovery program.” They continued, saying she was “fully supported in this choice” and that people look forward to seeing her on the other side of this “meaningful journey.”
Watchers Find the Timing of Huger’s Rehab Stint Interesting
Although Karen’s entering rehab is good for the reality star’s overall health, RHOP fans aren’t pleased with the timing of her stay. The reunion special is always the most explosive part of any Bravo season. It’s the first time the entire cast sits in the same room to discuss the year’s issues head-on. The gathering is also the space for host Andy Cohen to get answers from the ladies about hot topics in their personal lives. (Karen’s guilty verdict and incriminating DUI footage would’ve certainly been up for discussion.)
Some fans immediately jumped into the comments on Instagram to respond to Karen’s statement.
“Utter bullsh-t,” one user wrote. “After almost a year, she’s now going to do a recovery program? Karen can’t face the ladies and still doesn’t want to take accountability. That’s why she didn’t attend the reunion.”
“Well, that timing is convenient,” another poster commented. “She doesn’t have a problem until she has to be accountable.”
“The timing does honestly just feel like a lack of accountability,” a third fan wrote. “Disappointing. She’s human, though.”
Under @TheShadeRoom’s comments, a fourth watcher had even stronger words for The Grande Dame.
“This lady is so calculated,” they shared. “Anything to not face the hot seat.”
