Although Karen Huger was sentenced to one year in prison for driving under the influence, Bravo is not halting production for the upcoming season of “The Real Housewives of Potomac” for the reality star to finish her stay.
According to sources, although Bravo and Karen Huger’s co-stars are shocked by the news of her prison sentence, the show must go on, and they’re ready to deliver.
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Sources Say The Show Will Move On Without Karen Huger
On February 26, 2025, a Maryland-based judge sentenced Huger to two years in prison with one suspended following a jury’s guilty verdict in her driving under the influence (DUI) case that originated in March 2024.
She was taken into custody immediately, meaning the chances of Huger appearing in season 10 of “RHOP” are slim to none.
In fact, sources close to the production of the upcoming season shared behind-the-scenes information with PEOPLE and said that the ladies are gearing up for the next season of filming, and they’re not waiting around for Huger. “Cameras are expected to pick up officially at the end of March [2025],” the insider said.
If her sentence is reduced while production is ongoing, however, Huger could return to the series “in the future.”
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Wendy Osefo Says The Show Will Move On Without Karen Huger
In another interview, Dr. Wendy Osefo, who joined the series during season 5 in 2020, revealed how she felt when she learned that her co-star would spend the next year behind bars.
“My jaw dropped,” she said. “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].”
Osefo, however, maintained that even without Huger in the mix, the future of “Real Housewives of Potomac” is still bright.
“With this group, we have found a way to navigate with her presence and without her presence,” Osefo said.
The reality star and mother of three referenced the season 9 reunion special that Huger decided to skip days before filming commenced as proof.
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“Looking at the reunion, I think that we maneuvered in a positive way as a collective, as a unit,” she said. “I wish her the best, but I think that the Potomac brand still is strong.”
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Karen Huger’s Co-Stars React To Her Sentence
In addition to Osefo, Huger’s co-stars, such as Gizelle Bryant and Ashley Darby, also shared their feelings about their castmate’s new reality with the public.
During an appearance on “The Tamron Hall Show,” Darby, who joined the series during season 1 in 2017 and has feuded with Huger in the past, admitted the news was difficult to take in.
“I really care about her,” the mother of two said. “And I learned this on the train coming here today, and I cried like a baby, I did.”
Bryant shared similar feelings during her “Gizelle 21 Shady Questions Live” event and revealed the judge’s ruling “shook” her.
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“This just happened today. 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. I pray that she’s OK and that the Lord is with her,” she said.
Fans Are Reacting To Huger’s Prison Stint
Online, “Real Housewives” viewers revealed their strong reactions to Huger’s prison sentence in different threads. According to several netizens, it’s challenging to “feel bad for Karen Huger,” considering the reality star’s repeated run-ins with the law.
“This was her fourth DUI, and she’s lucky she didn’t kill someone or herself,” someone wrote. “She spent this entire season lying to people’s faces and brushing everything under the rug. Clankity clank bish.”
“Genuinely curious how people can feel bad for Karen Huger going to jail when this is her FOURTH DUI,” someone else posted on X, formerly Twitter. “You really expected her to get a slap on the wrist when her car literally caught fire and almost blew up from hitting a tree full speed? If anything, she needs the full two years.”
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Others Are Upset For Huger But Say She Has To Learn
Many other users wrote about how much they didn’t want to see Huger spend a year behind bars; however, they also acknowledged how dangerous driving under the influence is.
“I understand she should go to jail, but the thought of it sucks,” someone wrote. “But, yes, she needs a time out.”
“I don’t want her in jail either, but god d-mn,” an X user replied. “I think she’s a danger to the community [because] of her inability to admit she has a problem. Unfortunately, the only thing that will help her may be jail time.”
