Leon Brown, the child of Kody Brown from the reality show ‘Sister Wives’ and his ex-wife Meri Brown, has shared insights into their childhood experiences, describing it as akin to growing up in a cult. In a TikTok video released on 3 August, Leon, now 31, opened up about the challenges and fears they faced during their early years.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Leon-Brown-IG-080726-2b92f9e1e999456ab3b27bf654ab5e04.jpg)
Reflecting on their upbringing, Leon explained that their family, which included four parents and two siblings, relocated to Wyoming when they were just three years old. They remained there until Leon turned 10. This period of their life, they suggested, was insular, with limited interactions with people outside of their immediate family and community.
In a previous memoir, Christine Brown Woolley, who shares six children with Kody, expressed similar sentiments. In her 2025 book, ‘Sister Wife: A Memoir of Faith, Family, and Finding Freedom,’ she stated, “I believe I grew up in a cult. I believe I raised my children in a cult.” Christine highlighted that while she did not experience overt abuse or brainwashing, she recognised a confined set of beliefs that shaped her family’s perspective.
In the recent TikTok, Leon echoed these concerns, affirming that their upbringing was indeed cult-like. They noted that their shyness and fears prevented them from forming relationships outside of this closed environment. “We were homeschooled until we moved to Utah when I was 10,” they detailed, recalling how their schooling continued with a strong religious focus even after the family relocated.
Upon moving to Utah, their educational experience shifted towards a church-based model, described by Leon as “more all-encompassing.” They mentioned attending “church school” multiple times a week, alongside various forms of religious instruction designed for children, including “primary,” which they fondly remembered as being enjoyable despite acknowledging the complex feelings intertwined with it. “I loved learning about Jesus and church history,” Leon admitted, reflecting on the conflicting emotions of reward and possible religious scrupulosity.
At the end of their TikTok video, which serves as the first of an ongoing series, Leon expressed their hesitation to discuss these topics, describing the experience as “weird.” They encouraged viewers to listen with respect, indicating that this narrative would unfold in multiple parts.
Leon recently made headlines again following claims made by their father Kody, in which he stated during a confessional segment of the TLC show that he sought therapy to improve his relationship with his estranged children. He expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of communication from them. “I’ve reached out to every one of my children,” Kody stated. However, Leon took to social media the following day to refute Kody’s claims, stating that they had not heard from him since the tragic death of their brother, Garrison Brown, in March 2024.
In a candid Instagram post, Leon condemned Kody’s assertions, labelling him a liar and criticising his role as a father. Their statement has sparked further conversations about the ongoing family dynamics within the Brown household.
Adding depth to these discussions, Leon’s sister, Madison Brush, recently shared her own experiences growing up in the Brown family. On 29 June, Madison recounted a chaotic childhood, expressing that she had spent much of her adult life striving for a sense of peace. She described her efforts to contrast that tumultuous upbringing with the tranquil life she aims to build now.
As family members continue to share their stories, Leon’s TikTok video and Madison’s reflections provide a glimpse into the emotional complexities of growing up within the prominent Brown family dynamic. The revelations raise important questions about the impact of their upbringing on their current lives and relationships, as well as the broader implications for those who have left or distanced themselves from similar communities.