Mary Cosby, star of The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, has publicly discussed her son Robert Cosby Jr.’s struggles with drug abuse for years, even capturing a confrontation on camera just months before his death at age 23. Robert Jr. died on February 24 from a suspected overdose, according to Salt Lake City police reports.
Open Discussion of Substance Abuse
The reality TV star openly shared Robert Jr.’s addiction issues with viewers, culminating in a November 2024 episode where she directly confronted him about his drug use. Robert Jr. detailed his history with substances, admitting to starting with Xanax at age 16 and escalating to combinations including Adderall, acid, Molly, and cocaine.
“I started buying it. Then I started doing Xanax with acid, and then Molly with Xanax, because I really like Xanax, so I mixed it with everything, Xanax and cocaine.” – Robert Cosby Jr.
Mary pleaded with her son to acknowledge his problem, emphasizing that she would not support his addiction. She later expressed regret in a confessional, admitting she had underestimated the severity of his substance use.
Legal Issues and Recent Arrest
Robert Jr. had multiple encounters with law enforcement, including a recent jail stay for violating a protective order filed by his ex-wife, Alexiana Smokoff. At the RHOSLC season 6 reunion in January, Mary dismissed concerns about Robert Jr.’s arrest, stating she believed he was in a place where he was not using drugs.
Raw Reality TV Moment
Andy Cohen later called the November confrontation between mother and son “one of the most raw, real and heart-wrenching” moments in Bravo’s history. The scene offered an unvarnished look at addiction’s impact on families, a rarity in reality television.
A Tragic Outcome
The details of Robert Jr.’s death underscore the brutal reality of substance abuse. While his mother openly discussed his struggles, the outcome remains tragic. The case serves as a stark reminder of addiction’s destructive power, even when confronted head-on.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
