Gizelle Bryant and Andy Cohen were in constant contact about Karen Huger‘s DUI case as they waited to see whether she would receive prison time.
During her Gizelle 21 Shady Questions Live at City Winery event on Wednesday, February 26, Bryant, 54, was asked if she had plans to visit Huger, 61, behind bars.
“Even if I don’t have a mic on my back and I don’t have a camera in my face? So no check? You all know Giselle is about her coins,” she quipped hours after Huger was sentenced to two years in jail with one year suspended. “Yes, I’ll absolutely visit Karen.”
Bryant recalled discussing the topic with Cohen, 56, adding, “Andy texted me all day long today and we were going back and forth because we knew that the sentencing was getting ready to happen. So we’re like, ‘Oh my God.’ He’s like, ‘Oh my God.’ Then it happened and we’re both giving our feedback on it.”
She continued: “One of the last things he said to me is, ‘When this show started nine seasons ago, never in my wildest dreams would I think that any of the ladies would be going to jail for five minutes — let alone a year.’”
Bryant wasn’t sure how their hit Bravo series The Real Housewives of Potomac would go on without Huger.
“Love her or hate her, she’s such a staple to Potomac,” she explained. “But it’s hard to even fathom that this is really happening and it’s going to take me a minute to digest that it even did happen. But I’ll be in there giving her a nail file, giving her a shank [and] giving her a wig.”
Huger was originally charged with a DUI, a DWI and reckless driving after a March 2024 car accident. She was found guilty on nearly all charges — except the count of driving recklessly — in December 2024.
“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” Huger’s lawyer, A. Scott Bolden, said in a statement at the time. “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 reality star, meanwhile, has maintained her innocence.
“Thank you all for your prayers and well wishes during this very frightening experience. I am still in shock from last nights incident, but grateful to be alive today,” Huger wrote in a March 2024 statement. “With the passing of my Beloved Mother, Grief comes and goes in waves, and with Mothers Day approaching it has felt more like a tsunami. Last night I met a girlfriend for dinner, we talked and brought up some very emotionally sensitive topics. I was crying on my way home and saw a car heading right for me.”
She added at the time: “I swerved to avoid the head-on collision, hit the divider and then a tree. I’m hurt, bruised up a bit, but so grateful I am alive! I did receive citations, one of which was unrelated to the incident which is understandable, but what was most surprising is that the car that almost hit me just drove away.”
Huger subsequently chose to skip the RHOP reunion earlier this year as she prioritized an in-treatment recovery program.
“She was fully supported in this choice,” Huger’s rep said in a statement. “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.”
Despite not appearing at the special, Huger recorded a message for her costars. “No, I’m not an alcoholic, let’s be clear,” she said. “This is very frightening, but I accept full responsibility for everything that went on with my car accident. I don’t care about me right now. I care about my children, I care about my family. They are so hurt.”
With reporting by Andrew Nodell
