Meri Brown from TLC's hit reality series "Sister Wives" revealed she was catfished. The first wife of practicing polygamist Kody Brown admitted that she had been duped into having an online affair with a woman pretending to be a man, reported Us Weekly. She spoke out to tell the truth and help others who may find themselves in a similar situation.
"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," said Brown in a statement obtained by Us Weekly. "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."
Meri found herself particularly vulnerable during her divorce from Kody, which was chronicled on the family's reality show "Sister Wives," reported People. Meri offered to divorce Kody so that he could marry his fourth wife, Robyn, so that Kody could legally adopt Robyn's three children from a previous marriage.
The term "catfishing" was coined by a 2010 documentary starring Nev Schulman, who was also tricked into an online relationship with someone who pretended to be someone else, according to People. Schulman, along with co-host Max Joseph, now help investigate Internet catfishes on their MTV reality show "Catfish."
After admitting to her emotional online affair, Meri confirmed that her polygamist family is aware of what she's been going through and have been there for her throughout this difficult time.
"Throughout this ordeal, my family has supported and stood by me," she told Us Weekly. "I am grateful to them for their love and strength through this difficult time."
