Karen Huger’s RHOP Co-Stars React to Her One-Year Prison Sentence: “I Cried Like a Baby”
Days after Karen Huger was sentenced to one year in prison following her DUI case, her Real Housewives of Potomac co-stars have opened up about their reactions to the Grande Dame’s legal troubles.
The news of Karen’s sentencing has left her castmates stunned and emotional. Wendy Osefo, speaking to People at Essence’s Black Women in Hollywood Awards on February 27, shared her disbelief. “My jaw dropped,” Wendy admitted. “I couldn’t believe it. At the end of the day, we may have our differences, but I always wish her well, and I’m just keeping her in prayer, 100 percent.”
Despite Karen’s absence from the season nine reunion—she opted to seek treatment at a rehab facility after her December verdict—Wendy believes the show will continue to thrive. “With this group, we have found a way to navigate with her presence and without her presence,” she explained. “Looking at the reunion, I think that we maneuvered in a positive way as a collective, as a unit. I wish her the best, but I think that the Potomac brand still is strong.”
Karen’s longtime frenemy Gizelle Bryant also expressed her shock at the sentencing. “I am shook,” Gizelle told Us Weekly on February 26, just hours after the news broke. “I do not have her wigs. I am concerned. In all seriousness, I am concerned for her safety. Karen ain’t cut out for jail.”
Ashley Darby, another original cast member, was visibly emotional when discussing Karen’s situation during a February 27 appearance on The Tamron Hall Show. “I really do encourage everyone to keep Karen in your prayers,” Ashley said. “I really care about her. And I learned this on the train coming here today, and I cried like a baby, I did.”
Karen’s legal troubles began in March 2023 when she crashed her car near Bethesda, Maryland, and was arrested on suspicion of DUI. She was charged with eight crimes, including driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired, and negligent driving. Following her December conviction, Karen admitted to drinking while taking antidepressants and entered a treatment facility.
Prosecutors, citing Karen’s three prior DUIs, initially sought a two-year prison sentence with six months suspended. However, the judge ultimately sentenced the 61-year-old to two years behind bars, with one year suspended. Upon her release, Karen will face an additional year without driving privileges and five years of probation.
Karen has yet to publicly address her sentencing. Meanwhile, fans can catch part three of The Real Housewives of Potomac reunion on Sunday, March 2, at 8 p.m. on Bravo. Stay tuned for more updates on the cast’s stunning season nine reunion looks.
