During the reunion episode aired on a Sunday evening, Karen Huger was notably absent, having recently been convicted of driving under the influence (DUI). Her costars gathered to watch footage that showcased her reaction to bodycam recordings from her arrest. At 61 years old, Huger faced serious repercussions for her actions, stemming from a single-vehicle crash that occurred on March 19, 2024, igniting discussions about accountability and behavior in the public eye.

Last week, she was sentenced to serve two years in prison, although one year was suspended, alongside hefty fines totaling $2,900 and a probation period lasting five years. This sentencing has raised eyebrows and concerns about the implications of her actions and the message it sends about the seriousness of DUI offenses.

The footage that was shown to her costars was recorded on December 27, 2024, only a short time before she entered rehab. In this video, Huger can be seen discussing the details of her trial with her husband, Ray, providing a glimpse into her emotional state during this tumultuous period.

As she reflected on her situation, Huger stated, “Dots are being linked for me. I did not watch the tapes earlier than the trial.” This moment prompted her costar Gizelle Bryant to interject, expressing disbelief by saying, “I do not believe that.” The tension in the room was palpable as they all processed the weight of her words and the reality of her circumstances.

Continuing with her narrative, she remarked, “So I am sitting there, in the courtroom, like I have to finally watch it. I kept saying, ‘Surely they made a mistake, right?’ Because nothing was connecting to me.” She further elaborated, “And I watched, and I’m telling you, I did not recognize that woman. I did not know her. However, it helped me to hear that because I blacked out before the impact, according to testimony.” Her candidness offers a stark look into her struggles with accountability and personal responsibility.

As she recounted the night of the incident, she mentioned, “So when I hit the tree, I was already blacked out,” while her husband pointed out new construction in the area where the crash occurred. “There’s construction too, new construction, but baby, it’s my fault,” she admitted, showcasing her recognition of the gravity of her actions.

In a vulnerable moment, she revealed her history with mental health, stating that she began using antidepressants seven years ago after the loss of her parents. This admission highlights the emotional challenges she has faced, further complicating her journey.

“After I started taking antidepressants, it would help, but then I needed more as life kept throwing challenges my way. Instead of returning to the doctor, I adjusted my medication myself. I self-medicated,” she explained, indicating the struggle many face with mental health and the complexities of managing it responsibly.

“That night, what I do remember is going to a friend’s house. I opened a Stella, didn’t like the beer, and decided to switch to champagne,” she continued. “But I forgot that I had taken my medication and not only taken it, but I had increased the dose.” This moment underscores the seriousness of mixing substances and the potential dangers it can pose.

As the video continued to play for her fellow castmates, Gizelle urged Andy Cohen, “You can just turn this off. Please turn it off. This is a mess.” Meanwhile, Ashley Darby chimed in, adding, “This is performative,” reflecting the mixed emotions and reactions in the room as they processed the gravity of Huger’s situation.

Reflecting on her choices, Huger stated, “What happened to me was self-inflicted. I drove. I put people in danger. I am going away; not court-ordered, I am doing this for me,” expressing her commitment to personal growth and rehabilitation. “I think I will retire the Grand Dame and give the world a dose of Karen. I believe she’s enough. Truly, I know she is.” This statement signifies a pivotal moment in her journey toward recovery.

After the footage concluded, Gizelle commented that it was “a lot” to witness, while also pointing out a perceived lack of “accountability” in Huger’s narrative, which sparked further discussion among the cast about the importance of facing one’s actions.

Meanwhile, Andy addressed Huger’s sentencing on his SiriusXM show, Andy Cohen Live. He expressed his thoughts, saying, “We haven’t been on since Karen was sentenced, and I don’t have much to say. I will say, I’m thinking of Karen every day.” His concern reflects the broader impact of Huger’s situation on her fans and the reality TV community.

“I’ve been thinking about her quite a bit, and I am so sad about this. I am so sad about how this whole thing has played out,” he said, signifying the emotional toll this situation has taken on everyone involved, including fans who have followed her journey closely.

“I’m a Karen fan. Drunk driving is no joke. It’s incredibly serious, and knowing that this was her fourth incident is tough to hear. I’m not surprised the judge was strict,” he added, highlighting the ongoing concern about the prevalence of DUI offenses and their consequences.

“I am not shocked at all, and hearing what I heard at the reunion last night from Gizelle, who mentioned she heard that Karen was offered a plea deal and home confinement for six months,” he continued, questioning the legal decisions made in her case. “What were her lawyers recommending when they knew there was body cam footage like that? It’s just so sad,” he lamented.

As fans eagerly await the next developments, Season 9 of RHOP is currently streaming on Peacock, providing viewers with a chance to dive deeper into the unfolding drama.