Karen Huger was absent when the cast filmed the Real Housewives of Potomac season nine reunion on Thursday, and she had good reason as she has entered a rehab program.
Weeks after the 61-year-old was found guilty of DUI, and as a series of shocking videos were leaked of her arrest, Bravo confirmed that Karen did not join her castmates, including Gizelle Bryant, 54, Ashley Darby, 36, Mia Thornton, 40, Wendy Osefo, 40, Stacey Rusch, 42, and Keiarna Stewart, 37, on set.
“Dropping the [RHOP] Season 9 Reunion seating chart here,” the network wrote in the caption of its January 9 post on Instagram, adding that there is “more info to come soon.”
A short time later, Real Housewives enthusiast Christian Gray Snow reposted the image as he suspected that Karen would participate in a one-on-one interview as part of the special.
“Bravo confirms Karen will not film the reunion today as the sentencing for her DUI quickly approaches. My guess is she will do a 1:1 with Andy instead??? What are your thoughts?” he asked with a post of his own on Instagram.
Following the sharing of the seating chart, a number of RHOP viewers weighed in, many of whom were bummed out by Karen’s absence, and others who wondered if it was indicative of her potential firing.
“They should have waited until after her sentencing to film the reunion,” one person wrote.
“She had the biggest storyline all season long. I feel duped,” another agreed.
“Noooooooo Karen’s the best part,” shared a third.
Then, as someone else suspected Karen couldn’t “take the heat,” and another Instagram user said that a one-on-one interview was her “best shot at damage control,” her future on the show was pulled into question.
“Does this mean she’s fired?” someone asked.
However, shortly after the seating chart was released, Karen shared a statement through her rep announcing she had entered rehab.
“Karen made the important decision to enter a private recovery program, so was unable to attend the reunion taping today. She was fully supported in this choice. We stand behind Karen as she embarks on this meaningful journey and are proud of her for taking such a significant step forward in her personal growth,” said her rep to Bravo.
As fans may have heard, Karen is facing up to two years behind bars after being found of several crimes, including “negligent driving, failure to control speed to avoid a collision, and failure to notify authorities of an address change.”
In regard to the guilty verdict, Karen released a statement through her attorney last month.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” A. Scott Bolden told PEOPLE. “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.”
The Real Housewives of Potomac season nine airs Sundays at 8/7c on Bravo.
