Janelle Brown, a prominent figure from the reality series “Sister Wives,” has opened up about her tumultuous relationship with ex-husband Kody Brown, suggesting that he exhibited traits of narcissism throughout their nearly 30-year marriage. During part three of the “Sister Wives: One-on-One” special, which aired on June 8, 2025, Janelle, 56, described a troubling pattern in their relationship that she referred to as a “cycle of love bombing.”
In her candid remarks, Janelle explained that she felt Kody, 56, engaged in manipulative behavior often associated with narcissistic personalities. Love bombing, a term that refers to excessive flattery and attention as a means of psychological manipulation, was a central theme in Janelle’s account. She articulated that there was a pattern where Kody would shower her with affection, only to later withdraw that love, creating a cycle that left her feeling emotionally drained.
Host Sukanya Krishnan sought clarification on the term “love bombing,” prompting Janelle to elaborate on how this tactic played out in her marriage. “For a narcissist, there’s a cycle where you love bomb and then you sort of, there’s sort of a waning and then you almost kind of, like, destroy or hurt them and then to fix it, you come back in and you love bomb,” she explained. This cycle, according to Janelle, was a significant aspect of her experience with Kody.
Despite her strong feelings, Janelle was careful not to label Kody definitively as a narcissist. She acknowledged her lack of qualifications to make such a diagnosis, stating, “I guess everybody will have to decide.” However, she did note that there were “quite a lot of similarities” to the behavior typically associated with narcissistic individuals.
The revelations about Kody’s behavior come amid ongoing discussions among the “Sister Wives” cast regarding financial dynamics within their plural family. In a recent episode, tensions flared as Janelle and Kody clashed over financial decisions. Kody accused Janelle of having “too much influence on our money,” while she maintained that she was merely acting as the bookkeeper and that Kody held ultimate control over financial matters.
Janelle, who shares six children with Kody, reflected on the family’s financial struggles, stating, “He always seems to come out ahead financially on a deal. I just think he’s always looking out for himself and now for [fourth wife] Robyn [Brown] and himself.” She expressed frustration over what she perceived as Kody’s entitlement, remarking, “It’s astounding. I think he really is just kind of inherently selfish.”
Christine Brown, another cast member who left Kody in 2021, supported Janelle’s claims during the episode. She noted that the wives had limited visibility into each other’s financial situations, but Janelle was aware of the larger financial picture. Christine recounted Janelle telling her, “‘I saw where all the money was going. And how much money Kody took and how much money Robyn took was a lot more than you were taking, and it was more than anybody else was taking.’”
As the drama unfolded on screen, viewers witnessed the emotional toll of Kody and Janelle’s turbulent relationship. Their arguments often escalated into intense confrontations, with both parties accusing each other of “gaslighting.” Janelle’s candid reflections on her marriage provide a glimpse into the complexities of their relationship, revealing the struggles faced by those navigating the challenges of a plural family.
The “Sister Wives: One-on-One” special continues to delve into the personal lives of its cast members, with part four set to air on June 15, 2025. As fans eagerly await the next installment, Janelle’s revelations have sparked discussions about the dynamics of love, power, and emotional manipulation within relationships.
In summary, Janelle Brown’s insights into her marriage with Kody Brown have shed light on the psychological tactics often employed in relationships marked by manipulation and control. Her experiences resonate with many, highlighting the importance of understanding and recognizing unhealthy patterns in romantic partnerships. As the story unfolds, fans of “Sister Wives” are left to ponder the implications of Janelle’s revelations and what they mean for the future of the Brown family.