In the latest wave of Sister Wives drama, Kody Brown is once again under fire—and this time, it’s not about his family decisions or his relationship dynamics. No, this controversy is happening out in public, where fans are sharing frustrating and downright awkward experiences after trying to interact with the polygamous patriarch. While some have long claimed Kody is charming in person, recent incidents suggest he may not be as approachable as he wants people to believe.

The latest backlash began when a fan contacted The Sarah Fraser Show to share a surprisingly cold interaction with Kody. During what was meant to be a simple fan moment, she asked for a picture with him. What happened next left her stunned. Kody insisted on holding the fan’s phone to take the photo himself—keeping control of the situation from the very start. When the fan innocently put her arm around him, as many do in photos, Kody reportedly recoiled and quickly said, “No touchy, no touchy.” Awkward much? The fan was left embarrassed, clearly caught off guard by his sudden change in demeanor.

At first, it was unclear how recent this encounter was, but it resurfaced after a separate and very similar story caught attention online just a week prior. In that instance, another fan reported that Kody had declined a hug, citing, “Out of respect for my wife, don’t touch me.” That wife, of course, is likely none other than Robyn Brown, the only remaining wife in his plural marriage setup. The fan who contacted Sarah Fraser felt compelled to come forward after hearing that story, saying she too had witnessed this behavior during a public event where all of the Brown family was present—Kody, Robyn, Christine, and Meri.

Interestingly, despite Kody’s reluctance for physical contact, some fans still describe him as charming and engaging in person—until you try to get close. According to the witness, he agreed to take a picture, but again, he held the phone himself and literally stepped back from the fan, saying “No touchy” with a grin, then posed at a safe distance.

While some fans are understanding, saying it’s smart to avoid physical contact in today’s world, others are baffled by how performative and standoffish Kody seems. After all, he’s no Hollywood A-lister, and the level of self-importance that seems to radiate from him and Robyn has raised eyebrows among the fanbase.

A viral photo from one of these encounters reignited the public backlash, especially after rumors circulated that Kody had been seen wandering around a pool area full of underage girls and their mothers. Many questioned his judgment, wondering why he would place himself in such a setting. Supporters tried to defend him, claiming he didn’t know who would be present—but others weren’t having it. As critics put it bluntly: “He’s not blind. If you can see it’s a bunch of kids and their moms, maybe avoid it?” The suggestion that he couldn’t anticipate what kind of crowd would be around a public pool didn’t hold much water with longtime watchers.

And then there’s Robyn. As usual, her name gets dragged into the drama. According to some fans, she may be the one pushing Kody to avoid touchy-feely moments with strangers. One theory is that Robyn doesn’t mind if fans get close—but only if the headlines don’t make her look bad. She’s often accused of playing puppet master behind the scenes, reminding Kody that she is the one who calls the shots now.

“Cody, it’s about me. Me and my kids,” fans mock, mimicking what they believe to be Robyn’s attitude in every major decision the couple makes. The narrative that Robyn holds all the power in their relationship continues to grow, and it seems to be fueling resentment both from fans and former sister wives alike.

This ongoing saga has left many longtime Sister Wives fans exhausted. After years of watching the show evolve from a unique take on plural marriage into a tangled mess of egos, betrayals, and shifting alliances, many are calling for a fresh start—without Kody and Robyn. Some are even suggesting the show move forward with spin-offs centered on Christine, Janelle, or the adult Brown children who now have their own lives, ambitions, and stories to tell.

The idea that Kody sees himself as a major celebrity is almost laughable to many. One outraged fan even joked that Kody walks around acting like Jason Momoa—minus the charm or popularity. Even Momoa would give you a hug, they say. The idea that Kody thinks fans are lucky to be near him, instead of the other way around, is what really pushes buttons.

But here’s the ironic twist: despite how tired fans say they are of hearing about Kody and Robyn, their content still pulls in the biggest numbers online. Videos, blogs, and podcasts featuring this couple continue to dominate Sister Wives coverage. Viewers may claim they’re fed up, but the analytics don’t lie—people can’t stop talking about them.

That said, some fans are taking action by redirecting their attention to other members of the family. Social media platforms are buzzing with support for Christine’s new life and Janelle’s independence. Fans are flooding comment sections with requests to TLC: “Give us more stories without Kody and Robyn. Show us real growth, real change—not this fake celebrity behavior.”

As for what’s next, it’s hard to say. TLC certainly knows how to fan the flames of drama, and with filming reportedly ongoing, it wouldn’t be surprising if this recent public backlash ends up being part of the next season’s storyline. Kody may not want fans touching him, but he’ll surely want them watching. Because like it or not, Sister Wives is still showbiz—and any press is good press in the reality TV world.

Whether you’re laughing, cringing, or just completely over it, one thing’s for sure: Kody Brown is not fading quietly into the background. And as long as fans keep talking—good or bad—he’ll keep showing up. Just don’t try to hug him.

Stay tuned for more Sister Wives updates and reactions as this ongoing saga continues to evolve. And if you’re hoping for a future without Kody and Robyn in the spotlight, don’t be shy—let TLC know what you want to see next.