Karen Huger Declares ‘I’m Not an Alcoholic’ While Entering Rehab Following DUI Conviction

Karen Huger is addressing concerns that she has a drinking problem.

In a video taped on Dec. 20, 2024 — the day after she was found guilty on charges of DUI and DWI stemming from a March 2024 car crash — Huger, 61, got candid about her relationship with alcohol, insisting she doesn’t have an issue.

“No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” Huger said in a clip that opened up the first part of the Real Housewives of Potomac season 9 reunion which aired on Sunday, Feb. 16.

She went on to issue a message to her fans. “I know a lot of young children look up to me — [they] call me Auntie Karen, the Grand Dame,” she said, telling them to “do as I say, not as I do.”

Asked about her reaction to the verdict being read, Huger recalled, “My heart dropped.”

“This is very frightening but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident,” she said, noting that her first priority was her family during this time. “I don’t care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.”

Karen Huger in a video that aired during ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ season 9 reunion. 

Bravo

Days after making the video, Huger checked herself into a private recovery center to “get to the bottom” of “taking antidepressants and drinking.”

Rehab prevented Huger from joining costars Gizelle Bryant, Ashley Darby, Wendy Osefo, Mia Thornton, Keiarna Stewart, Stacey Rusch, Jassi Rideaux and Jacqueline Blake at the RHOP reunion, which taped on Jan. 9. And while all were happy to hear that Huger was getting help, some questioned the timing.

Bryant said: “I wish she would have done it before her case, because I think that would have probably helped her. But I’m happy she’s there now.”

“I do think it’s interesting she’s doing it before her sentencing. And I’m wondering, is she doing it because she feels like she needs help or is she doing it because she feels like it’ll lighten the load of her sentence,” added Osefo, a point Thornton agreed with.

“Let’s just give her grace,” Rusch said. “I’m just happy she’s recovering and taking care of herself. We should be supportive and positive.”

Ashley Darby (center) holding a photo of Karen Huger at the ‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ season 9 reunion. 

Clifton Prescod/Bravo

Later, reunion host Andy Cohen played a second video from Huger, this one filmed as a message to the ladies.

“I would be remiss if I didn’t take this time to thank those who truly touched my heart during this whole process, and the first person I want to thank in the girl group is Gizelle,” Huger said in the clip. “I think what’s really helped me, Gizelle, is the note you put in my flowers: ‘one step at a time.’ You make me very proud of our friendship outside of this show. You’re the real deal.”

Further messages of thanks were issued to Stewart and Rideaux. Candiace Dillard Bassett, who left the show after season 8, also got love from Huger for reaching out and being “a soldier in support and love.”

Cohen got a shout-out, too, with Huger telling him, “Your notes meant the world to me. They were always on time.”

Karen Huger on season 9 of ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’. 

Shannon Finney/Bravo

Huger ended her message by noting that though she’s known as the Grand Dame, she plans on “coming back as Karen Huger only, because Karen is enough.”

“And ladies, I’m sure you’re going to do me proud and look fabulous at the reunion, but nobody sit in my seat, okay?” she said at the video’s end. “Love you!”

Her words brought Bryant to tears. “That is my friend,” Bryant said. “I’ve heard too many things to count of Karen doing kind of reckless things. My prayer has always been, ‘She needs to get some help.’ And not in a shady way and not to tear her down as a person. She’s a beautiful person. So… this makes me feel like, ‘Oh, she really realizes this is it.’ “

Huger will be sentenced on Feb. 26.