From the moment The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City made its dramatic 2020 debut, reality TV fans the world over have not been able to get enough of the show’s cast of glamorous and compelling characters . Of the show’s stand-out stars, there’s perhaps none as fascinating and – at times – more polarising than Mary M. Cosby. Heir to a several million dollar fortune and spiritual leader of the Faith Temple Pentecostal Church, Cosby has one of the most intriguing stories of any Housewife – not just in Salt Lake City’s series, but across the entire multi-city hit reality TV show franchise. So who is Mary Cosby? We take a look inside the reality television star’s extraordinary, eccentric and expensive life. Rise of the Kim K clones: 10 celebrities who are Kardashian doppelgängers The extreme wealth Over its two-season run, the RHOSLC audience has seen the Housewife show off her extravagant wealth and lavish lifestyle, with a net worth estimated to be at least US$5 million. A lover of high-end fashion, and in particular of all things Chanel, Mary’s house (read: mansion) is overflowing with endless racks of designer labels. Beyond her high-priced wardrobe and opulent possessions, Mary owns various businesses, including restaurants and a chain of hair salons. She also boasts several properties across five states: Utah, Nevada, New York, Indiana and Florida. So full is her bank account, Mary was seen in season two gifting the other ladies each a pair of costly Louboutins, one of which co-star Jennie Nguyen eventually returned in a heated moment. It’s reported that this pair alone cost US$1,300. Although the reality star’s Instagram bio describes her as an entrepreneur, among other things, the vast majority of Mary’s wealth – from the business ventures to the properties – was inherited from her late grandmother Dr. Rosemary Redmon “Mama” Cosby. In the 1960s, Mama founded the church congregation that Mary currently leads and, over the years, she built up the sizeable fortune that she ultimately bequeathed to her granddaughter. The unconventional marriage What is perhaps the most interesting – and unorthodox – aspect of Mary’s storyline is the stipulation in her grandmother’s will that, in order for Mary to inherit her grandmother ’s fortune and place as the spiritual head of the church, she would have to marry her step-grandfather, Robert C. Cosby. Robert was Mama ’s second husband, and not biologically related to Mary. Regardless, Mary’s unconventional relationship with the father of her son, Robert Jr., has been a major talking point both on the show and online. In the show’s debut season, Mary herself confessed the bizarre nature of the arranged marriage, saying, “Don’t think it wasn’t weird, ‘cause it was!” First in line: 5 European princesses set to become queens The cult controversy While the first season saw Mary’s relationship receive critical attention, her biggest controversy to play out on the show in season two were rumours that the Cosby’s Faith Temple Pentecostal is less church and more cult. Allegations have come from various sources, including ex-church-goers and even Mary’s own extended family members. Mary has been accused of calling herself “God” and terrifying her congregation into submission – most notably as seen on the show by a former congregant and friend of fellow Real Housewives star Lisa Barlow, mortgaging his house for US$300 thousand to give to the church. Mary continues to deny the allegations. The racially charged backlash Mary has also been confronted with significant backlash as a result of racist comments made on the show. In the explosive aftermath of the arrest of her co-star Jen Shah for alleged fraud and money wire crimes , Mary likened Shah to a “Mexican thug”. She later made comments about her other co-star, Vietnamese born Jennie Nguyen’s “slanted eyes” – although according to her they were supposed to be complimentary, somehow. She has since apologised for the racist remarks. 12 of Lily Collins’ most stylish looks on Emily in Paris season 2, ranked The reunion absence After the season two reunion was filmed, it was leaked that Mary failed to show for the franchise’s anticipated final episodes. It’s at the reunion where the Housewives generally have to confront whatever issues and tensions arise during the season and are often asked – and expected – to take accountability for their actions. Mary Cosby recently liked a tweet suggesting that she may have QUIT #RHOSLC before the reunion taping. pic.twitter.com/9OX3gXyBFz — TV Deets (@TVDeets) January 8, 2022 It’s well known among Real Housewives fans that an absence at a reunion is a veritable kiss of death in terms of being asked back for another season. It’s therefore highly unlikely Mary will return to the show. Want more stories like this? Follow STYLE on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube and Twitter .