Mary Cosby is proving to be the breakout star in the cast of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” but not for the right reasons.
Following the second part of the show’s inaugural reunion special, Mary was dragged by viewers after a comment she made regarding her sense of safety around Black men resurfaced.
When the question of if she ever said that she was scared of Black men hanging out at 7-Eleven was brought up, the reality star denied the allegations. “I said I have a fear [of] when guys are standing out in front of a convenience store,” Mary explained before being cut off by host Andy Cohen, who asked, “Black guys?”
The first lady of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church replied by saying, “I’m Black. My son is Black,” before accusing her co-star Jen Shah of misconstruing her words. At that point, Cohen asked, “You have a fear of men standing in front of convenience stores?” to which Mary nodded in agreement.
Despite the Bravo boss telling the reality star that there was footage of her admitting that she indeed made the comment at a luncheon, Mary continued to deny it. Mary made things worse for herself when she disclosed that her “taste of black guys — that’s not my taste.” It’s best to note the housewife’s husband, Robert Cosby Jr., who also happens to be her stepgrandfather, is a lighter-toned Black man.
When asked to clarify, Mary said she was more attracted to lighter-skinned men. Cohen then pointed out Robert’s skin tone, with Mary commenting that he was white before saying he is “lighter” rather than biracial.
Fans of the show were perplexed over Mary’s remarks, including “RuPaul Drag Race” alum Shea Couleé, who wrote on Twitter, “Was Mary Cosby the inspiration for Get Out? #RHSLC.”
“Mary Cosby is an embarrassing Black woman. I want her off #RHOSLC,” another person commented.
A third person wrote, “Omg Mary you almost got yourself out of it why did you then have to say you don’t have a taste for Black guys?! 🤦🏽♀️ 🤦🏽♀️ 🤦🏽♀️ 🤦🏽♀️ 🤦🏽♀️ Girl you just voluntarily through yourself in ditch!!!!! 🤦🏽♀️ #RHOSLC
@Mary_M_Cosby. ”
“Sis, the way you talked about the black community on Pt. 2 of the reunion… BIG DISGUSTING. You have some internal work to do,” a fourth wrote.
In the end, Mary admitted that she needs to improve on the way she says things. “The way I say things can come across [as] offensive. I think all colors of black are beautiful, and I’m proud of it and I’m proud of my culture,” she told Cohen.