‘Real Housewives of Potomac’ Star Ashley Darby Shares Update on Karen Huger Post-Release

Ashley Darby is standing by her friend during one of the toughest chapters of her life.

Following Karen Huger’s Sept. 2 release from prison after serving time for a DUI conviction, Ashley opened up about her hopes for the Grand Dame’s next chapter. The “Real Housewives of Potomac” cast came together for the season 10 premiere, which aired Sunday, Oct. 5, and Huger’s absence — and emotional journey — was front and center.

Ashley Darby Opens Up at ‘The Real Housewives of Potomac’ Premiere Party

Speaking to BravoTV.com at the “The Real Housewives of Potomac” season 10 premiere party on Sept. 30, Darby shared that she had already checked in with Huger after her release.

“Yes, I did a little check in on Karen, as many of us knew, the big day came. And she’s been taking her time to, what I understand, really connecting with her family. So I’m hoping to see her very soon when she’s ready,” Darby said. “I sent her some flowers addressed to ‘Lady H,’ as is appropriate, but I really do want to see her.”

Huger was sentenced to six months in a correctional facility after a jury found her guilty of multiple counts related to a March 2024 single-car collision. The charges included driving under the influence, driving while intoxicated, speeding, driving with a suspended registration, and failing to report a change of address to the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration.

“My heart dropped. This is very frightening, but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident,” Huger said in a video played during the “The Real Housewives of Potomac” season 9 reunion, which she missed. “I don’t care about me right now; I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt… I know a lot of young children look up to me right now, [they] call me Auntie Karen, [the] Grand Dame. Do as I say, not as I do.”

The RHOP Cast Reacts to Karen Huger’s Sentence and Release

The season 10 premiere opened with footage of Huger’s release from the Montgomery County Detention Center before flashing back to her February 2025 sentencing and the immediate aftermath. As Gizelle Bryant prepared to host several castmates, she admitted in a confessional, “I feel so many different emotions. I wish this weren’t happening. Do I want Karen in jail? Absolutely not. But do I want to make sure that we don’t have a fifth DUI? For sure. But I just want my Karen back, I really do.”

Darby was the first to arrive at Bryant’s home, where the two reflected on what Bryant described as an “intense” and “crazy 72 hours.” She bluntly added, “Karen’s waking up in jail. I want her to be secure. In fact, if there’s, like, an elderly section, like, I want her to be there.”

Wendy Osefo, Stacey Rusch, and Keiarna Stewart joined shortly after, with the group processing the shocking reality together. Osefo noted, “For me, the worst part is the fact that it was so instant. Like, she was taken into custody right away. Like, how did she process that? Like, did she know? Was she prepared? For Karen, we may have our differences, but at the core of me, that was once my friend, so I want the best for her.”

Stewart emphasized that Huger is in “state jail,” adding, “She has to take a shower with people. Like, she is in jail, y’all.” Rusch expressed concern for Huger’s daughter, Rayvin Huger, 28, while Bryant said her “heart breaks” for both Rayvin and Huger’s husband, Ray Huger.

Darby recalled her reaction to the sentencing. “When I heard it, I cried so much. It was like this initial, like, gut punch. … It’s not settling in.”

While Huger adjusts to life post-release, Bryant will be “stepping up and bringing the ladies together” this season. The trailer also shows her writing to Huger behind bars to keep her up to date on the group’s drama.

Meanwhile, Darby navigates single life after divorce, Osefo faces major life changes, and the cast welcomes new faces, including Tia Glover and Angel Massie — along with returning familiar names Jassi Rideaux and Monique Samuels.

Fans can catch all the drama when new episodes of the “Real Housewives of Potomac” air Sunday nights on Bravo.

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