From ‘Grand Dame’ to Guilty: Karen Huger’s Legal Battle Shakes RHOP Fans

The aftermath of Karen Huger’s March 2024 DUI arrest continues to unfold, with Bravo’s Andy Cohen now weighing in on the Real Housewives of Potomac star’s legal troubles. Following Huger’s recent guilty verdict on multiple charges, Cohen described the situation as “very sad” during SiriusXM’s 10th Annual Radio Andy Holiday Hangout in New York on December 19.

“I haven’t really processed it yet,” Cohen shared with PEOPLE. “But I think it’s very sad.”

The Incident: A Dangerous Night in Potomac

Karen Huger, 61, found herself at the center of a legal storm following a single-vehicle collision in Potomac, Maryland, on March 19. Driving her 2017 Maserati, Huger reportedly crossed a median, struck multiple street signs, and eventually came to a halt after causing significant property damage. Fortunately, she escaped without injury, but the consequences of her actions have been anything but minor.

Authorities charged Huger with a litany of offenses, including:

Driving under the influence (DUI) and driving while intoxicated (DWI)
Negligently driving a vehicle in a careless manner, endangering property, life, and persons
Driving a vehicle on the highway with a suspended registration
Failure to notify administration of a change of address within 30 days
Failure to control vehicle speed to avoid a collision
While Huger was found guilty on nearly all charges, her reckless driving charge was dismissed, according to her representative.

Courtroom Verdict and the Path Forward

Huger’s attorney, A. Scott Bolden, issued a statement to PEOPLE following the verdict, expressing disappointment in the jury’s decision while affirming plans to appeal. “Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” Bolden said. “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.”

Huger faces potential jail time, along with substantial fines and penalties under Maryland law. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2025.

The Body Cam Footage: A Damning Look at the Night

Adding fuel to the fire, police body cam footage of the incident surfaced after Huger’s guilty verdict. The video, shared by local news outlets, captured the RHOP star evading questions from officers about her alcohol consumption.

When asked directly, her husband, Ray Huger, suggested that Karen had “a couple of beers.” Karen hesitantly confirmed, saying, “Yes, that’s all I had.” The footage also showed a visibly agitated Huger interacting with police, refusing to cooperate fully, and trying to downplay the incident.

Public Reaction

The release of the body cam footage and Huger’s legal troubles have sparked widespread discussion among fans and critics alike. Social media has been abuzz with divided opinions, with some expressing sympathy for Huger while others criticize her behavior as reckless and irresponsible.

Huger’s future on The Real Housewives of Potomac also hangs in the balance. Bravo has yet to make any official statement about her role on the show, but speculation is rife about whether her legal issues will impact her standing as one of the franchise’s most iconic cast members.

Conclusion

As Karen Huger’s legal saga continues, her public image faces significant challenges. Between the body cam footage, guilty verdict, and potential jail time, the reality TV star’s journey from Bravo’s “Grand Dame” to a figure of controversy has been both dramatic and sobering.

With her sentencing just weeks away, all eyes remain on Huger as she navigates the fallout of this high-profile case—and whether she can recover both personally and professionally.