Why Real Housewives of Potomac's Karen Huger Feels "Gratitude" After DUI Car Accident

Karen Huger isn't shying away from discussing her recent legal troubles.

In fact, nearly seven months after The Real Housewives of Potomac star was charged with a DUI following a car crash in Bethesda, Maryland, Karen revealed how the arrest changed her for the better.

"I woke up from it feeling so much gratitude," the 61-year-old exclusively told E! News' Justin Sylvester. "One, that no one else was involved in the accident and, two, that I'm alive and I'm here." (Watch E! News tonight, Oct. 3, at 11 p.m. for more of our exclusive interview with Karen.)

And viewers will soon get a better understanding of what led to her DUI when the Bravo series' upcoming ninth season debuts.

"I'm waiting for my truth to come out," she added. "I will own it every step of the way. And I hope it doesn't disappoint some people."

However, Karen noted Bravo fans shouldn't compare her storyline to Shannon Beador's DUI drama, which is currently playing out on The Real Housewives of Orange County.

"I don't think there's any similarity in Shannon and I," the reality star stated. "But I support Shannon 100 percent."

But mush like Shannon's RHOC costars, Karen noted that her cast members "were there and they weren't" in terms of supporting her in the wake of her arrest.

"I'm a grown woman, I don't expect a lot from anyone except God," she explained. "Of course I expected it. And I handle it with grace and fun. Like a, 'You don't know me, girl, you weren't there,' kind of thing."

However, she added that "there are some cast members that really surprised me. So, I am so grateful for the ones that surprised me."

Fans might also be surprised by Karen's update on her on-again, off-again friendship with Gizelle Bryant this season.

"I'm pleased to say we're in an okay spot this year," she shared. "We are the best of frenemies in any Housewife franchise because we're real. She was supportive initially. Let's see how she does the rest of the season. I'm rooting for her, because it's hard for Gizelle to be supportive. She's messy and I love that about her. I've known that before the show, though. I knew that before we became Housewives."

See the drama play out when The Real Housewives of Potomac premieres this Sunday, Oct. 6, at 8 p.m. on Bravo. And keep reading to see the stunning new cast photos and to learn more about this season.

Although Wendy Osefo is retiring her professor hat, she’s still Dr. Osefo in these Potomac streets, and she’s heading to the White House. As she prepares to enter the 40 club, Wendy is letting loose like never before and living her best life.

Gizelle Bryant is thriving as she focuses on dating and building out the newly rebranded GNA Fusion, a wellness initiative in memory of her late father. After an emotional roller-coaster year, she’s decided to mend some of her fractured relationships in the group, but the way she goes about it defies expectations.

Keiarna Stewart is trying to put the past behind her, but some wounds take longer to heal than others. While Keiarna works on building her relationship with the women, her plate is full. She’s running her business and launching a new skin care line. At the same time, she’s moving in with her man, Gregory, but things become challenging when his expectations are not met.

The aftermath of the car accident and DUI charge is taking its toll on Karen Huger and her family. As she tries to pick up the pieces, the ladies want the 411, but getting the full story proves to be a challenge.

Mia Thornton‘s life is what you’d call complicated. She’s in the process of getting a divorce from Gordon while her relationship with her new man, radio personality Inc, is hotter than ever. If that wasn’t enough, the ladies are questioning some of her actions, making it hard for her to know whom to trust in the group.

Ashley Darby is not playing any more games as she forges full steam ahead to get a divorce. She’s throwing herself into the dating pool while balancing single motherhood, co-ownership of GNA and having lots of fun along the way.

Stacey Rusch has entered the Potomac chat and she’s causing lots of chatter. She’s a former QVC host and mother of an 8-year-old daughter, who, after 16 years of marriage, is divorcing her husband. As she enters this new phase in her life, she is struggling with the decision to date again and navigating a romantic relationship with her best friend, who is choosing celibacy over intimacy.

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