‘Sister Wives’: Meri Brown Shuts Down Negative Comments About Her Looks In the Classiest Way Possible

Meri Brown has emerged as a fan favorite in recent years on TLC’s Sister Wives. The 49-year-old mom and first wife of polygamist Kody Brown has slowly separated herself from her large family in many ways.

After years of difficulties in her marriage to Kody—especially after her online catfishing scandal and a legal divorce from her husband in 2014 so he could marry his fourth wife, Robyn Brown, and adopt Robyn’s three children—she has seemingly become more independent from her sister wives.

The Sister Wives star is now a successful LuLaRoe representative, as well as the owner of Lizzie’s Heritage Inn, a highly-rated bed and breakfast in Parown, Utah (currently on hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic).

Meri frequently posts inspirational quotes on Instagram about being a strong, independent woman, and often writes about the importance of confidence and self-love. Recently, she proved just how important that philosophy is to her after a few Sister Wives fans insulted her looks on social media.

Meri shared a snapshot of herself on a morning run—and got some criticism on her makeup

Meri recently shared a closeup photo of herself taking a morning run in the Brown family’s new hometown of Flagstaff, Arizona. The Sister Wives star captioned the quarantine-time photo with a Ralph Waldo Emerson quote: “Adopt the pace of nature. Her secret is patience.”

But a few Instagram users didn’t focus on the scenery or quote. Instead, they criticized Meri’s makeup and eyebrow penciling techniques. “Please go somewhere that will teach you the proper way to apply makeup,” one commenter wrote. “You will look more attractive and feel better about everything. I am not a mean person, I just think you need a little help.”

Another critic agreed, writing: “Agreed. Skin tone is flat. Makeup too harsh.”

Yet another commenter left a harsh reply, declaring: “Your eyebrows need help! You’re beautiful don’t get me wrong just a friendly opinion.”

Meri clapped back against critics as ‘Sister Wives’ fans swarmed the post to offer their support

Despite the harsh comments about her looks, Meri responded with grace to the criticism. “I feel great about myself but thanks anyway!” the Sister Wives star wrote back to one critic who insulted her makeup.

Sister Wives fans were immediately impressed with Meri’s respectful, confident reply. “You’re winning at this self-love challenge! High five, lady!!” one wrote in response, praising her for her self-esteem.

Other Instagram users joined in to tell the critics to back off and stop judging other women’s looks. “Some things are better kept to yourself,” one commenter admonished. “She looks beautiful the way she is. And plus, if she feels good in her own skin…no one’s opinion is relevant.”

A few commenters pointed out that the main critic’s profile mentioned her Christian beliefs—which they thought was a bit hypocritical, considering the harshness of their insults. “Commenting on another woman’s makeup technique is crude and unnecessary. And most certainly not godly,” one Sister Wives fan argued.

Another viewer thought fans should follow Meri’s lead and build each other up rather than tearing others down. “Women empower each other NOT tear them down,” they wrote. “Kindness is key!”

Many viewers said they loved Meri’s message of self-love and confidence

In recent years, Meri has focused more and more on her own independence. Her daughter, Mariah Brown—now a 24-year-old grad student at Loyola University Chicago, and engaged to her longtime partner, Audrey Kriss—was Meri’s only child with Kody. When Mariah moved out for college, Meri struggled with her empty-nester status.

Since that time, Sister Wives fans have noticed Meri coming into her own and developing a stronger sense of self-esteem. Many have noticed her recent weight loss and commitment to better mental health and physical fitness, as well as to financial independence and stability.

“I’m really likin’ therealmeribrown,” one Sister Wives fan praised Meri under the post, referring to Meri’s recently-changed Instagram handle.

“I like her too!” Meri replied, sharing her deeper sense of self.

Others encouraged Meri to embrace her recent physical and emotional transformation—and possibly even to leave Kody, if that was what she felt was best.

“The new Meri is beautiful,” one Instagram user commented, “and I hope you spend time with your daughter and mom and going on your trips with LuLaRoe and only have to spend time with the others when you have to.”

Another fan summed up many Sister Wives viewers’ opinions in writing: “You are a smart, independent woman. It’s time for you to live your life based on what makes you happy and stop living your life based on what makes people around you happy.”