Karen Huger checks into rehab after DUI conviction, skips ‘RHOP’ Season 9 reunion taping

“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger has checked herself into rehab following her DUI conviction in December 2024.

Her rep revealed the news Thursday after Bravo released the seating chart for the highly anticipated Season 9 reunion, which will air on the network in the coming weeks.

The graphic showed where each of the cast members were assigned to sit in relation to each other and moderator Andy Cohen.

Huger, the “Grand Dame of Potomac,” was noticeably missing.

“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so [she] was unable to attend the reunion taping today,” her rep told the Daily Dish, making sure to note that his client was “fully supported in this choice.”

He continued, “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.”

To Cohen’s right was Mia Thornton, Dr. Wendy Osefo and Stacey Rusch; to his left sat Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby and Keiarna Stewart.

Fans were upset over Huger’s absence and took to social media to vent.

“The DUI happened how long ago and all of a sudden now she wants to go into a ‘private recovery’ program?” one peeved X user posted.

“Oh, of course. Today, the day of the reunion 😂 such a coward. She’ll never take accountability for her actions,” someone else remarked.

“Are you f–king serious. Wow. She had ALL this time and waited for reunion to do it,” another critic commented.

“We want the cameras at the facility or a Zoom or something!” someone else demanded.

Huger, 61, was found guilty of multiple charges after she wrecked her Maserati in Maryland in a high-speed, single-vehicle crash in March 2024.

She was convicted of driving under the influence; driving while intoxicated; negligently driving a vehicle in a careless and imprudent manner endangering property, life and person; failing to control vehicle speed on the highway to avoid a collision; driving a vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed on the highway; driving a vehicle on the highway with suspended registration and failing to notify administration of change of address within 30 days.

“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” her attorney told People at the time.

“We continue to reserve Mrs. Huger’s right to an appeal and intend to fully pursue justice on her behalf. We appreciate your support and prayers for Mrs. Huger and her family at this time.”

In police videos taken immediately after the accident, a glossy-eyed Huger struggled to stand, slurred her words and made bizarre statements, including the admission that she was “drunk.”

“I’m Karen. They call me the Grande Dame,” she told the arresting officer inside his car, who replied, “The Grande Dame?”

The married mother of two giggled and responded, “I don’t know what the f–k that’s about. Andy coined that. Andy coined that. He called me the Grande Dame.”

She later told the cop, “You know I hate you, right?” as he unbuckled her seatbelt. “Do you know who I am?” she asked after he refused to remove her handcuffs.

Huger then stumbled getting out of the car, prompting her to blurt out, “Oh, God — I’m lit.”

Once inside the station, the slumped Bravolebrity told a police officer who was asking her questions about the incident, “What’s your point, sir? I’m sorry. It’s not you. I’m drunk. I’m extremely intelligent. And I’m Thomas Jefferson’s concubine.”

Sentencing is scheduled for later this month; she faces up to two years in prison.

While Huger’s arrest has been a central storyline on the current season of “RHOP,” she has continued to maintain her innocence.