Christine Brown’s Husband David Says Polygamy ‘Mentally Damaged’ His Sister in ‘Sister Wives’ Preview (Exclusive)
David Woolley Opens Up About the Mental Impact of Polygamy on His Family
In a revealing sneak peek of the upcoming episode of TLC’s hit series Sister Wives, Christine Brown’s husband, David Woolley, shares a deeply personal account of how polygamy negatively affected his sister’s mental health. David, who married Christine in October 2023, has witnessed firsthand the emotional struggles that can arise from living in a polygamous family structure.
David, 61, admits that he once looked down on polygamy but only truly understood its consequences after seeing the toll it took on his own family. “My oldest sister was mentally damaged from it, from that kind of crap that her husband pulled on her,” he reveals, referring to one of his two sisters who lived in a polygamous marriage. This candid admission sheds light on the darker side of polygamy that is often overshadowed by its spiritual or cultural justifications.
The Role of Men in Polygamous Relationships: A Major Flaw?
During the episode, David and Christine discuss the dynamics within polygamous marriages, particularly focusing on the role men play. When Christine asks if the man is the “big flaw” in polygamy, David doesn’t hesitate to agree. He explains that many men in polygamous relationships enjoy the attention and even the competition that arises between their wives.
“They love the fighting. They love the competition between the women,” David states, emphasizing that this behavior is common among the men he has encountered in such relationships. According to David, this dynamic is not just a byproduct of polygamy but a tool used by men to control their wives. He describes how patriarchs in these families manipulate their spouses by threatening to shift their attention or affection to another wife if they don’t comply.
David’s perspective highlights a troubling aspect of polygamy: the use of emotional manipulation and control to maintain power within the household. “If you’re not obeying me, I’m punishing you and I’m going to go to the other one,” he explains, illustrating the coercive tactics some men employ.
Balancing Perspectives: Janelle Brown’s Take on Polygamy
While David’s account paints a grim picture, not everyone in the Sister Wives family agrees with such a broad characterization of polygamy. Janelle Brown, one of Kody Brown’s former wives and a close friend to both Christine and David, offers a more nuanced view.
Janelle acknowledges that there are many tragic stories within polygamous communities but cautions against generalizing based on a single experience. “There are a lot of tragic stories in polygamy, but there are in monogamy as well,” she points out. Her comments remind viewers that no relationship structure is without its challenges.
However, Janelle also admits that the secrecy and lack of empowerment for women in polygamous settings have allowed some harmful behaviors to persist. She explains that this was a significant reason why she and others chose to go public with their stories—to bring transparency and encourage change.
The Evolution of the Brown Family and Polygamy on ‘Sister Wives’
Since its premiere in 2010, Sister Wives has chronicled the complex lives of the Brown family, led by Kody Brown and his multiple wives. Initially, Kody was married to Meri, Janelle, and Christine, while courting Robyn Brown. Over the years, the family’s dynamics have shifted dramatically.
In a notable development, Kody legally divorced his first wife, Meri, to marry Robyn legally and adopt her children. However, after several years of polygamous living, Kody and Robyn have since decided to embrace a monogamous lifestyle.
Christine Brown’s departure from Kody in November 2021 after more than two decades of spiritual marriage marked a significant turning point. Her experiences, along with those of her husband David, provide a unique lens through which to examine the realities of polygamy beyond the television cameras.
Why Transparency and Empowerment Matter in Polygamous Communities
The stories shared by David, Christine, and Janelle underscore the importance of transparency and empowerment for women in polygamous families. The secrecy that often surrounds these relationships can enable controlling behaviors and emotional abuse to go unchecked.
By speaking openly about their experiences, the Browns are helping to shed light on the challenges faced by many women in similar situations. Their willingness to share their journey encourages others to seek support and advocate for healthier relationship dynamics.
Conclusion
David Woolley’s candid reflections on how polygamy “mentally damaged” his sister provide a powerful and eye-opening perspective on the emotional complexities of polygamous relationships. While polygamy may hold spiritual significance for some, it is crucial to recognize the potential for emotional harm and control within these family structures.
If you’re interested in learning more about the realities of polygamy and the Brown family’s evolving story, be sure to tune in to Sister Wives on TLC, airing Sundays at 10 p.m. ET. Don’t miss out on exclusive insights and heartfelt conversations that challenge the norms and encourage open dialogue about this controversial lifestyle.
