Sister Wives’ Meri Brown admits to emotional affair with female catfisher

Sister Wives star Meri Brown admitted today she was indeed caught in the net of a manipulative Internet catfish, who turned out to be a woman. This is the first time any of the Browns have addressed the reports (and evidence) of Meri’s extramarital relationship.

“During an emotional and vulnerable time earlier this year, I began speaking with someone online who turned out to be not who they said they were,” Meri told People. “I never met this person and I regret being drawn into this situation, but I hope because of it I can help others who find themselves in similar circumstances.”

As we reported last week, Meri began a business partnership with Sam Cooper, an attractive man she only knew over the Internet, shortly after legally divorcing Kody Brown. Over time, the relationship turned romantic — as evidenced by a series of voicemails and photos “Sam” later posted to his personal blog. However, there was never a Sam…Meri was apparently just communicating with a woman named Jackie, from Oklahoma. Their public interactions ceased at the end of July.

Speaking this week, Meri said she confessed everything to Kody and her three sister wives. She added, “Throughout this ordeal, my family has supported and stood by me. I am grateful to them for their love and strength through this difficult time.”