“The Grand Dame” is free.
“Real Housewives of Potomac” star Karen Huger was released from prison Tuesday morning, according to the Montgomery County Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
The 62-year-old served a one-year sentence at the Montgomery County Detention Center in Maryland for driving under the influence and other charges. She was sentenced to two years in prison, with one suspended.
Huger served her full time in the facility, according to a spokesperson for the department of correction and rehabilitation. Maryland has a diminution credit system in which some inmates can earn a reduction in their sentence. Inmates who are not eligible for this system include those convicted of serious sexual offenses.
Huger, a fan-favorite original “RHOP” cast member coined “the Grand Dame,” was convicted late last year by a Montgomery County jury of DUI and other charges connected to a March 19, 2024, solo crash near Oaklyn Drive in Potomac. No one was injured in the crash.
Prosecutors had requested six months in prison and defense lawyers wanted no time in favor of rehabilitation. Huger was branded a repeat offender by prosecutors, who pointed out three previous alcohol-related traffic cases between 2006 and 2011. None of those previous cases had led to prison time.
Huger was sentenced to prison time, $2,900 in fines and five years of probation. She admitted fault in court, saying she was grateful no one was injured by her actions.
Now that she’s been released, Huger won’t be allowed to drive for a year, and, if she violates probation, she could be sent back to prison to serve the year of suspended time.
An attorney for Huger did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fans and reality stars alike reacted to the news of Huger’s release online.
“She should’ve not been in jail, anyway,” one commenter wrote on a post announcing her release. “Welcome home, Queen.”
Former “Real Housewives of Atlanta” peach-holder Marlo Hampton posted an Instagram story in support of Huger’s homecoming.
“Welcome home sis,” Hampton captioned a video of Huger in full glam.
Some were not as happy to see her free.
“Not enough time for that drunk!” one commenter wrote.
Others online speculated on if she would return to “RHOP.” The show’s 10th season will premiere on Oct. 5.
“I want her back on the show ASAP, living her best life,” one commenter wrote.
Another commenter believes the Grand Dame will make an appearance on the season 10 reunion.
Bravo did not respond to a request for comment.