Reality TV star Kathryn Dennis is facing the consequences of last year’s DUI incident in dramatic fashion. The former Southern Charm cast member was sentenced Friday to 30 days behind bars, authorities confirmed. She was taken into custody at 6:54 p.m. local time, according to records from the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office.
Dennis, 34, has not commented publicly on her sentencing, and her representatives did not respond to requests for comment. The arrest starts with a troubling incident in May 2024 in South Carolina. It ended with the reality star at the center of a three-car crash.
Scene of the Crash Raises Immediate Concerns
Eyewitnesses at the crash told authorities that Dennis appeared impaired. Officers arrived on the scene and detected the smell of alcohol. They noticed Dennis’ glossy eyes. These signs quickly raised suspicion. When officers approached, Dennis reportedly denied drinking or taking medication, but her behavior told a different story.
Officers discovered an unopened mini-Fireball bottle on the driver’s side floor. They also found an empty pink tumbler in the center console according to incident reports. Dashcam footage shows Dennis attempting a field sobriety test, visibly struggling to maintain her balance. At one point, she removed her sandals, wobbling on the pavement as police tried to assess her condition.
Field Sobriety Test Ends in Failure
The officer on the scene administered a series of standard sobriety tests. The first, the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus test, checks for involuntary eye movements linked to alcohol use. Dennis failed four of the six indicators, raising serious concerns about her sobriety.
The walk-and-turn test proved even more revealing. Dennis wobbled, missed heel-to-toe steps, and had to use her arms for balance. She also failed the one-leg stand, flailing her arms in an attempt to maintain stability. In the footage, she can be heard insisting, “I passed that fing field sobriety test. This is some b***t. Like, I literally am not drunk.”
Her golden doodle puppy, Lil Gucci, accompanied her in the back of the patrol vehicle during these tests. Officers found multiple mini bottles of Fireball in the dog’s carrier—some empty, some half-full, and some unopened—indicating that alcohol was indeed in the vehicle.
Emotional Outbursts During Arrest
Patrol car footage from the ride to the detention center reveals a chaotic and emotional scene. Dennis alternated between pleading, crying, and expressing rage. She worried about being separated from Lil Gucci, her dog, and at times attempted to charm or threaten officers, saying she would “ruin” them.
At one point, Dennis accused a police officer of inappropriate conduct as he fastened her seatbelt. She also compared the situation to being “gaslighted like my ex,” reflecting on her tumultuous personal life. The footage paints a portrait of someone struggling to maintain control as the consequences of her actions set in.
Custody Battles and Public Scrutiny
Dennis’ personal life has long been under public scrutiny. Her highly publicized relationship with disgraced former congressman Thomas Ravenel resulted in two children, Kensington “Kensie” Calhoun, 9, and St. Julien “Saint” Rembert, 7. The relationship ended in 2018 amid multiple sexual assault allegations against Ravenel.
After a bitter custody battle, Dennis lost primary custody of both children due to repeated failures in court-mandated drug testing. She now has supervised visitation every other weekend. During her arrest, Dennis pleaded with officers about her children, saying, “I’m going to lose custody of my children, please!” and later, “I’m never going to get my kids back. Thanks guys. There’s literally no reason for me to be here.”
Legal Details and Bail
Dennis’ bond was set at $1,199.50 for the DUI and $257.70 for transporting an open container of alcohol. The sentencing comes after the DUI arrest in May 2024, which involved multiple violations and a clear struggle with alcohol.
The jail term is expected to be served in Berkeley County Detention Center. Authorities confirmed that she was taken into custody immediately after the sentencing. This event marks a new chapter of legal consequences for the reality star.
Fans React to Southern Charm Alum’s Troubles
Dennis’ arrest has generated a flurry of reactions on social media. Longtime fans of Southern Charm were shocked by the incident. Many recalled her turbulent personal life. They also mentioned her ongoing struggles with substance use. Discussions online also highlight sympathy for her children and concern for the reality star’s well-being.
The crash, sobriety tests, and jail sentence each tell a stark story. They paint a picture of someone grappling with personal challenges in the public eye. Legal, personal, and emotional turmoil have kept Dennis in the headlines for months. These issues emphasize the consequences that arise when private struggles become public incidents.
Southern Charm Legacy and Ongoing Challenges
Kathryn Dennis’ story is intertwined with her time on Southern Charm. Her relationship with Ravenel was a central storyline. Motherhood and personal struggles also formed key parts of her story. Her legal issues and publicized arrests have added to a narrative that fans have followed closely for years.
Despite her setbacks, Dennis remains a recognizable figure in reality TV. The recent jail sentence could mark a significant change. It may affect her ongoing battle with public scrutiny. It also impacts her personal challenges and legal obligations. Authorities continue to monitor her supervised visitation with her children. Her future compliance with court mandates will likely affect her ability to regain more custody rights.
What Happens Next
The next few weeks will test Dennis’ ability to navigate her legal consequences while managing her public image. The reality star will spend 30 days in jail. She will also have court oversight. Ongoing scrutiny from fans and media makes her path forward difficult. Authorities emphasize that the sentence directly responds to DUI violations. It addresses the circumstances surrounding the crash and underscores the seriousness of driving under the influence.
Dennis has faced challenges in both her personal and professional life. The latest legal action serves as a reminder that actions have consequences. This is true no matter how famous the individual may be. Fans and critics will watch closely as she serves her sentence. They will observe how she works toward rebuilding stability in her life. She will also strive to regain stability with her children.
