Real Housewives Stars Face Legal Trouble
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Reality TV stars may entertain us with their drama and antics, but they are not immune to life’s challenges. From fraud charges to DUI incidents, some Real Housewives stars have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. Here are some of the Real Housewives stars who’ve faced legal troubles.
Dr. Wendy Osefo, a star of Real Housewives of Potomac, and her husband, Eddie Osefo, were arrested on fraud charges in October 2024. The couple faced multiple charges, including felonies related to alleged fraud during a reported burglary. Wendy was later seen wearing a stolen diamond ring in a social media post, leading to further investigations. Following the arrest, Wendy resigned from her position at Wesleyan University.
Karen Huger, another Real Housewives of Potomac star, was arrested in March 2025 for driving under the influence. The 61-year-old reality TV star faced charges related to impaired driving and reckless behaviour on the road. Huger was found guilty on multiple charges and is awaiting sentencing.
Jen Shah, from The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and her assistant Stuart Smith, were arrested in March 2021 on charges of wire fraud and money laundering. Shah and Smith were accused of defrauding victims through a telemarketing scheme. Shah later pleaded guilty to the charges, avoiding a trial, while Smith also changed his plea to guilty.
Leah McSweeney, a new addition to The Real Housewives of New York City, shared her past encounter with the law. In 2002, McSweeney was arrested during an altercation outside a concert venue. The incident, which involved police officers and resulted in injuries, led to legal action. McSweeney turned the negative experience into a positive outcome by using the settlement money to start her own business.
Gina and Matthew Kirschenheiter, from The Real Housewives of Orange County, faced legal issues amidst their divorce. Gina was arrested in February 2019 for drunk driving, while Matthew was later arrested on suspicion of domestic violence. Both parties dealt with legal consequences and completed probation in separate incidents.
Luann de Lesseps, a former star of The Real Housewives of New York City, was arrested in December 2017 for disorderly intoxication and other charges in Florida. De Lesseps accepted a plea deal that included probation, community service, and abstinence from alcohol. However, she faced probation violations, leading to additional terms and responsibilities.
These are just a few examples of Real Housewives stars who have had encounters with the law. From fraud and DUIs to assaults and drug-related incidents, these reality TV personalities have faced legal consequences for their actions. Despite their on-screen personas, behind the scenes, these stars have dealt with real-life challenges and legal issues.