Kathryn Dennis, 34 Released From Jail After DUI Arrest and Explosive Meltdown

When you thought the drama on Southern Charm had simmered down, former star Kathryn Dennis proves that real life can be far more chaotic than reality TV. After a brief, yet undoubtedly memorable, stay at the Berkeley County Hilton—also known as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center—Dennis has been released back into the wilds of South Carolina.

Kathryn Dennis Finally Free After Stint in the Slammer

After a brief, yet undoubtedly memorable, stay at the Berkeley County Hilton—also known as the Hill-Finklea Detention Center—Kathryn Dennis has been released back into the wilds of South Carolina. She served 11 days of a 30-day sentence, a consequence of a DUI conviction that’s been lingering like a bad hangover since last year.

An officer from the sheriff’s office, probably eager to get back to more pressing matters, confirmed her departure to Us Weekly, stating, “She walked out [of the building] about 5 minutes ago.” And just like that, the former queen of Charleston’s social scene was free, hopefully with a newfound appreciation for designated drivers and a strong aversion to cinnamon-flavored whiskey.

Let’s rewind to May 20, 2024. The scene was Goose Creek, South Carolina, where Kathryn Dennis was involved in a three-car pile-up. When police arrived, they found more than just crumpled bumpers. According to reports, bystanders suspected she might be impaired, and officers noted the classic trifecta: the smell of alcohol, glossy eyes, and a car interior that sounded like a miniature liquor cabinet.

The drama didn’t stop there. Drawing on her extensive knowledge of the legal system, likely gleaned from her ex-partner Thomas Ravenel’s own felonious adventures, she added, “I’m not stupid, I already know what’s happening. Stupid as s***, like, my ex is a felon. I know how this works. This is some bulls***.”

How Did Kathryn Dennis Wind Up in Jail?

An unopened bottle of Fireball was reportedly found chilling on the driver’s side floor next to an empty pink tumbler—a classic combo. But the real treasure trove was found during the investigation. As if this script couldn’t write itself, dashcam footage captured the wobbly, shoeless Kathryn Dennis performing what could generously be described as a field sobriety test.

During the search, officers discovered her dog carrier for her Golden Doodle, Lil Gucci, was doubling as a mobile bar, stocked with “several mini bottles of Fireball, some of which were opened and empty.” Lil Gucci has seen things. Despite her claims of sobriety, the ‘Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test’ suggested otherwise, showing four out of six clues for intoxication.

Her attempts at the walk-and-turn and one-leg stand tests were equally disastrous, featuring a significant amount of arm-flailing and a complete inability to maintain balance. Through it all, DailyMail reported her muttered defense, “I passed that f***ing field sobriety test. This is some b******t. Like, I literally am not drunk.”

In a moment of pure, unadulterated reality TV gold, Kathryn Dennis unleashed her frustration. According to Us Weekly, she tearfully told the cops: “Ya’ll are ruining my life, and my kids’ lives.” Thanks for nothing. You didn’t even do a field sobriety test to know if you’re legit or not. No, you sure didn’t. You didn’t do a blood alcohol test. Maybe I don’t have the best balance in the whole wide world, but you sure didn’t confirm what you were doing.”

It’s a bold strategy to bring up your ex-felon ex during your own arrest, but this is Kathryn Dennis we’re talking about. Predictability has never been her strong suit. Her pleas then turned to her children, Kensington, 11, and St. Julien, 9, as she insisted, “I don’t give a f*** about me, but my kids? I don’t deserve to be here at all. Sorry you think I do.”

Final Thoughts

This is one of the latest strings of interesting celebrity news. One can only hope this stint behind bars serves as a wake-up call. Maybe it’s time to trade the Fireball for some sweet tea and focus on rebuilding. Or, at the very least, invest in a good chauffeur. Either way, the residents of South Carolina can breathe a little easier—for now.