Karen Huger, star of The Real Housewives of Potomac, was released from the Montgomery County Detention Center on Tuesday, September 2, after serving six months of a one-year sentence for a 2024 DUI conviction.

The 62-year-old reality TV personality was arrested in March 2024 following a high-speed crash in her Maserati near Bethesda, Maryland.

Bodycam footage from the arrest showed Huger visibly intoxicated, admitting to being drunk, and making unusual statements, including referring to herself as Thomas Jefferson's "concubine." 

"So, what's your point, sir? I'm sorry, it's not you. I'm drunk, I'm extreamely intelligent," she explained at the time. "And I'm Thoms Jefferson's concubine." 

@in_the_know_ BODYCAM FOOTAGE OF REAL HOUSEWIVES OF POTOMAC KAREN HUGER DUI ARREST VIDEOS HAVE BEEN RELEASED 😧 #entertainmentnews #viralvideo #foryour #entertainment #celebrities #news #fypシ #Viral #fyp #karenhuger #bravo #bravotv #realhousewivesofpotomac #breakingnews #news ♬ original sound - IN_THE_KNOW_

In February 2025, Huger was sentenced to two years in prison, with one year suspended, after being found guilty on nearly all charges related to the crash, including DUI, DWI, and negligent driving. 

Her co-stars were stunned when she was sentenced in February, with Gizelle Bryant joking about her wigs but also worrying for her safety, and Wendy Osefo admitting her "jaw dropped." Even Andy Cohen weighed in, saying he was heartbroken but understood why the judge handed down the tough sentence.

"I have been in contact with someone that's very close to her about her safety and all that," Bryant told Cohen on Watch What Happens Live. "From what I understand, they love her up in where she is right now. They absolutely love her. They are loving the Grande Dame! And you know she's runing that thing," she added.

She was acquitted of reckless driving. Her early release was granted due to good behavior and participation in jail rehabilitation programs. 

Upon her release, Huger will be on probation for five years and is prohibited from driving for one year. She has also pledged to attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for life, acknowledging the need for ongoing support in her recovery.

@girlwithdrive Karen Huger from the Real Housewives of Potomac was released from jail on Sept. 2. She got her hair and makeup done in the lobby just after 10am.     I spoke to a Bravo fan who had been updating Reddit as the “Grand Dame” was getting out and another woman who said she waited over an hour to see her husband because officers blocked the streets outside the jail. BravoTV was there too.     #rhop #karenhuger #bravo #potomacmd #realhousewivesofpotomac ♬ original sound - Amber Ferguson

Fans of RHOP have expressed mixed reactions to Huger's release. While some are relieved to see her back and hope she has learned from the experience, others are concerned about her return to the public eye. Many are curious to see if she will return to the show and share her experiences during her time in prison. 

As one fan commented, "Will Karen return to RHOP and give us the real tea on her time behind bars?"

Huger's early release marks a significant moment in her personal journey, and fans will be watching closely to see how she navigates life post-incarceration.

Photo Credit: @officialkarenhuger on Instagram.