A Utah woman is suing her polygamist husband, a prophet in a Mormon fundamentalist sect, for a 25% share of their property, alleging neglect during their 51-year marriage. Shirlyn Watson, founder of a natural foods grocery chain, filed the lawsuit against David Watson and her sister wives in a Utah court.
Shirlyn married David in 1973 through the Apostolic United Brethren, a Mormon fundamentalist group that practises polygamy. The couple had 11 children together. David, who led the church, had at least five wives but was legally married to only one. Shirlyn told local media that polygamy 'really worked for me' and 'felt right'.
According to the lawsuit, Shirlyn founded Shirlyn's Natural Foods in 1989 and also worked as a secretary for David's auto repair business. By 2000, all her earnings were going to David, the family home, or their children. In 2016, the family moved to Manti, Utah, where they lived in separate houses on the same property. Shirlyn alleges that David promised her and her sister wives equal interest in the property.
Shirlyn left David in 2019, claiming he began neglecting her and favouring another wife. She also alleges that David neglected their late son Robert, who had Down syndrome, leaving her to care for him alone. In 2021, David demanded that his wives pay $260 monthly to live on the property, but Shirlyn refused, citing her ownership interest from previous investments.
After Robert's death in October 2023, Shirlyn travelled to California for his celebration of life. Upon her return, she claims David locked her out of the home. Her children intervened, and David allowed her back, but allegedly kept her name off an agreement granting wives a property share. David's legal team denies the allegations, asserting he has '100% ownership' and that no marriage was solemnised.
Shirlyn is determined to fight, telling local media: 'Somebody needs to take a stand. I'm prepared to take that stand. I'm willing to fight him.' David responded to inquiries with 'No comment. All lies.'
