Janelle Brown Criticizes Kody’s “Self-Absorption” and Independence Issues
Sister Wives star Janelle Brown criticized her ex-husband Kody Brown for being “self-absorbed” during their marriage. In the episode that aired on Sunday, November 3, Kody, 55, and Janelle, 53, met to talk about his desire to mend his relationship with their children amid their ongoing estrangement. He expressed a wish to improve his connections with his adult kids and asked Janelle if she would consider giving their marriage another shot. However, she quickly dismissed the idea. “You often complain about my independence, and I have to point out your selfishness and self-absorption,” Janelle told Kody, with whom she announced her separation in December 2022. “It’s definitely a factor.” Kody inquired if she believed he had behaved that way over the “past two years” during his spiritual separations from her, Christine Brown, and Meri Brown. Janelle clarified, “No, maybe it’s just who you’ve always been.” She also highlighted that Kody’s distance from their six children contributed to their problems. “The kids feel very disconnected from you,” she explained. “There are many layers to this, and I can’t take sides.” Even though Janelle was not interested in rekindling their relationship, she did acknowledge that she still found certain aspects of Kody appealing.
Janelle Reflects on Being Content Without Kody
“I feel like we’re not even in the same universe anymore,” Janelle expressed. “I think you’re amazing, and every time we chat, it feels like you’ve got this little hold on me. But honestly, I’ve been so content without you that I can’t see a future for us.” When Janelle pointed out that Kody hadn’t made any efforts to mend their marriage, he countered that they hadn’t really discussed their problems. However, Janelle maintained that they had “so many discussions” where she made it clear their relationship was “over.” In a confessional, Kody reflected on his talk with Janelle, stating that it was “a fantasy for both” of them to think they could reunite. “I mention reconciling with her because I want to be in good standing with my kids,” he shared with the cameras. “But I realize that getting back together would mean I’d have to give her all the control in the relationship.” He went on to say that “reconciling with [Janelle] would mean I’d have to give her all the power,” which he felt was fair since he had it for so long, but he wasn’t keen on that. “I believe it’s a pointless conversation for both of us because, deep down, I think neither of us wants to take the blame for the breakup.”
Sister Wives star Kody Brown
Related: Kody Brown Admits to "Unhealthy Relationships" in Reflective Sister Wives Confessional
The former couple had a discussion prior to the tragic suicide of their son, Robert Garrison Brown, in March. At that time, he was not in contact with Kody, although Garrison was not the only child to have faced challenges in their relationship with him. Recently, Kody and Janelle’s daughter, Madison Brush (formerly Brown), appeared to take a jab at her father by sharing a video on her Instagram Stories that addressed the topic of toxic parents. “This serves as a reminder for anyone who has grown up with a toxic parent. Establishing clear and firm boundaries with someone who has been toxic and abusive throughout your life is not the same as holding a grudge. Similarly, sharing your truth about your experiences with that toxic and abusive individual is not akin to a smear campaign,” resilience coach Josh Connolly stated in the video. “For anyone who might question this, discussing abuse is not what tears families apart. Abuse is what does that.”
