Shannon Storms Beador took the stage at BravoCon 2023 on Friday, her first public appearance since her Sept. 17 arrest for an alleged DUI and hit-and-run.
The reality star and mother-of-three, 59, shared her remorse over the incident, saying: “It’s been a tough six weeks, but I’ll tell you I made a terrible mistake and – I don’t want to cry. I’m incredibly grateful I didn’t hurt anyone.”
“I just finished a 28-day behavioral wellness program with an alcohol component and I was able to focus on the elements of my life that were unhealthy and toxic and I believe I’m going in a good and positive direction today,” she continued.
After thanking fans for their support, she added that she took “inventory of my life” after her arrest and realized she was “absolutely” drinking too much.
Shannon Beador sentenced to 3 years probation, community service after drug incident
Beador appeared alongside actresses Tamra Judge, Heather Dubrow, Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter, Jennifer Pedranti, Taylor Armstrong and Vicki Gunvalson for The Real Housewives of Orange County panel at the Caesars Forum in Las Vegas, Nevada. The day before, a judge ruled to dismiss Beadora’s hit-and-run charge, even though she was charged with DUI, also a misdemeanor. Her blood alcohol level at the time of her arrest was said to be 0.24, three times the legal limit.
She was sentenced to three years of probation and 40 hours of community service. He will also have to complete a nine-month alcohol program.
“I am thankful that no one but myself was injured in this incident,” she said in a statement through her attorney. “I learned so much from my terrible mistake that night and I realize that driving any distance while impaired is too far.”
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Shannon Storms Beador on ‘Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen’.
Charles Sykes/Bravo via Getty
Beador was arrested in Newport Beach, Calif., around 1:17 a.m. local time, police previously told PEOPLE, after he “fled the scene of a collision that caused property damage.” “She was cited for two misdemeanors — fleeing from a liquor store while under the influence of liquor — and was released on bond,” they said.
A source confirmed to PEOPLE that Beador allegedly crashed her vehicle into the side of the apartment building and damaged a built-in planter box before pulling over. Her vehicle was found by the police, left in the middle of the road.
Authorities later found Beador walking her dog, Archie, not far from the crash, the insider said.
After her arrest, Beador entered a mental health treatment program. “Right now I’m focused on getting better, getting back to myself and walking Archie,” she said in an Oct. 17 video.
Her attorney, Michael L. Fell, previously told PEOPLE that she is “extremely sorry and remorseful” after the accident. “We will await official information on this case as it becomes available, and Shannon is prepared to accept full responsibility for her actions,” he said.
Shannon Storms Beador. Shannon Beador ‘profoundly apologetic’ and ‘willing to accept full responsibility’ after DUI crash: attorney
She also received support from many of her colleagues, including Gunvalson, who recounted Access to Hollywood‘with A cup for housewives podcast that Beador was “one amazing woman.”
“She’s taking ownership of this,” said Gunvalson, 61. “She’s already redeemed herself with the little garden wall she hit. And you know, I’m so proud of her. I mean, I hugged her and loved her. And I said, ‘You know what? Accidents happen. This is an accident. You take ownership of this. You stand in front of it.’ She does it all.”
The RHOC OG also explained that Beador lost her phone the night of the accident, which caused her to drive under the influence. “It’s ironic that Shannon doesn’t drive and she doesn’t drive, drink, drive. She’s an Uber girl. She spends a ton of money a month. But that night it was an unfortunate situation,” Gunvalson said. “She had to go out with friends and maybe had one too many and then she went to find her phone. She thought she left it at the restaurant, so she got in her car because she couldn’t call an Uber to find her phone because she didn’t have her phone. ”
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Shannon Storms Beador and Vicki Gunvalson.
Bravo
Gina Kirschenheiter Feels ‘Bad’ For Shannon Beador After DUI: ‘I’m Not Going To Kick Someone When They’re Down’
Meanwhile, Kirschenheiter — who was arrested for DUI in 2019 and has been reminded about it by Beador on the show for years — took it in a big way when she discussed it on a September episode of her Orange country podcast.
“Honestly, at the end of the day … I just don’t have it in me,” she said. “I’m not going to kick someone when they’re sad, and I’ve been sad. I know where she’s at right now. It’s not a good place to be — mentally, emotionally.”
“Obviously that’s the worst mistake you can make,” added Kirschenheiter, 39. “I believe that with all my heart, because I’ve made that mistake myself.” So I’m glad everyone is okay. But it’s like shit. Heavy. I feel bad. I feel sorry for her.”
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BravoCon 2023 continues through Sunday, November 5 as Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.
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