Kody Brown admits past failures in emotional apology to Janelle Brown on Sister wives

Kody Brown admits he was a “bastard” during years of turmoil as he offers an emotional apology to Janelle Brown

Kody Brown is attempting to repair long-strained family relationships, beginning with a candid apology to ex-wife Janelle Brown on the December 7 episode of Sister Wives. The longtime TLC star acknowledged years of anger and resentment following the breakup of his plural marriage, admitting he now hopes it is not too late to make amends.

Brown said he initiated what he described as a three-part “apology tour” by traveling to North Carolina to meet Janelle, whom he said felt like the safest person to approach first. During their conversation, the father of 18 confessed he had been consumed by bitterness since the family fractured, adding that none of his former wives deserved the hostility he expressed.

He also reflected on previous statements claiming he never loved his ex-wives, telling Janelle those remarks came from a place of emotional pain. Brown admitted he had behaved poorly during the last several years, bluntly calling himself a “bastard” in the aftermath of the breakup.

Brown further acknowledged failures from the early years of their plural marriage, saying he wished he had understood the importance of protecting his relationship with Janelle amid household conflicts — particularly tensions with his first wife, Meri. Janelle similarly pointed out how difficult the early years were as she navigated jealousy, personality clashes, and limited support while Brown worked as a traveling salesman and she was pregnant with their first child.

Despite appreciating Brown’s attempt to take accountability, Janelle emphasized that she and Kody are no longer part of each other’s lives apart from co-parenting responsibilities. While she believes they still care for one another, she made it clear she does not expect a renewed friendship or partnership.

Brown, however, said he is entering this reconciliation effort with a new perspective, hoping to approach the past with gratitude rather than bitterness as he seeks forgiveness from Janelle, Meri, and Christine.