A star from TLC’s reality series, Sister Wives, has opened up about her decision to leave her husband and enter a polyamorous relationship with his sister. In the latest episode, aired on October 15, 2023, Janelle Brown, 56, discussed her past marriage and the complexities surrounding her current relationship with Meri Brown, 54, who is also married to Kody Brown, 56.
During the episode, Meri revealed that Janelle was previously her sister-in-law before they became sister wives. “Janelle and I were actually sisters-in-law before we were sister wives,” Meri explained. “She had been married to my brother, and she was actually at my wedding with him.” This marriage, however, lasted less than a year, according to Janelle, who noted, “It was very short.”
Meri admitted that the transition was challenging for her. “It was really hard when the conversation about Janelle joining Kody and me began,” she shared, citing her previous familial connection to Janelle as a significant factor. Janelle, on the other hand, seemed to downplay the issue, stating, “For me, it wasn’t really a thing.”
Despite the initial tension, the dynamics of their unique family structure have continued to evolve. Following Janelle’s marriage to Kody, both she and Meri, along with ex-wife Christine Brown, 53, have sought spiritual divorces from him. Currently, Kody’s only remaining relationship is with his wife Robyn Brown, 47.
The episode sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many viewers expressing concern over the implications of Janelle’s previous marriage to Meri’s brother. Some fans articulated their difficulty in understanding how the two women could transition from family members to partners in such a complex relationship. One viewer wrote, “Now I understand why they didn’t get along. She went from being Meri’s sister-in-law to sharing her husband. That’s not normal.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the emotional weight of their past. Comments ranged from, “Janelle is so wrong marrying her ex-sister-in-law’s husband,” to “Didn’t really matter? Maybe just maybe Meri’s brother really mattered to her.”
Meri’s candid reflections have resonated with many viewers, who appreciate her willingness to express her feelings about the situation. As one commenter noted, “Meri is finally telling her truth. I can’t imagine my sister-in-law marrying my husband. It’s actually sickening to think about it.”
Through these revelations, the complexities of polyamorous relationships and their impact on familial bonds are brought to the forefront, prompting discussions about loyalty, love, and the challenges that can arise when traditional roles are redefined. As the series continues, audiences will undoubtedly remain engaged with the evolving dynamics among the Brown family.
