Meredith Marks, the 53-year-old jewelry entrepreneur, instantly became a fan favorite on “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” for her remarkably calm and clever demeanor. Unlike her castmates who often embraced turmoil, Marks maintained a serene presence, famously declaring, “I’m disengaging.”
While viewers sometimes wished she’d dive headfirst into the fray, the show’s drama was never in short supply. One former cast member faced prison time for wire fraud, and another was exposed for running a covert online account that targeted other Housewives. Even Marks’s deep friendship with co-star Lisa Barlow dramatically dissolved on camera, yet through it all, she kept her signature cool.
Her rare moments of anger, however, always ignited a frenzy online. Her Season 4 outburst, where she famously threatened to expose “the rumors, the nastiness” surrounding a fellow cast member’s husband, became legendary.
Now, Marks has brilliantly transformed that iconic phrase into her latest project: a party game aptly named ‘Rumors and Nastiness,’ co-created with entrepreneur Samantha Topping Gellert. The game playfully adapts the ‘Two Truths and a Lie’ icebreaker, incorporating elements from Marks’s own world, like prompt cards in caviar tins (a nod to her caviar line) and shot glasses engraved with ‘I’m disengaging.’ Players compete to collect the most faux diamonds to win.
For Marks, this game is more than just entertainment; it’s a tool to strengthen real-life friendships. “It’s almost like scheduling interaction,” she explained. “We live in a world where genuine in-person connection has become increasingly scarce.”
Her ability to remain composed, even amidst intense reality TV scrutiny, is legendary. In this exclusive interview, edited for clarity, Marks opens up about life in the public eye, the playful side of gossip, and why mastering the art of “disengaging” is crucial, whether you’re at a dinner party or on a hit reality show. (Fans can catch the sixth season of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City,” which premiered this month.)
You’ve openly shared personal struggles on the show, including the loss of your father and family tragedies. How do you decide what to reveal publicly and what to keep private?
It’s incredibly challenging, because vulnerability can sometimes feel like an invitation for criticism. However, for me, being authentic is far simpler than trying to keep track of a web of lies. I draw the line when a story involves other people. If it extends beyond my own experience, I become much more guarded.
Your iconic line, “I’m disengaging,” has become a catchphrase. What does that concept mean to you in your daily life?
Disengaging, for me, is recognizing when a situation has become so tense and so hostile that a productive resolution is impossible if you keep pushing. It’s about consciously stepping back, allowing emotions to cool, and then ideally returning to the conversation with a clearer head. It’s a more mature approach to conflict than yelling over each other—though I admit, I’m not always perfect at it!
Your new game, “Rumors and Nastiness,” is directly inspired by a memorable moment from the show. What made you want to transform that into something fun and interactive?
Six years ago, before embarking on this reality TV journey, I would have been deeply affected by many of the rumors. Today, I can mostly laugh them off. Creating this game felt like a fantastic way to playfully acknowledge those moments. It’s designed to bring people closer, to share lighthearted stories and truths, without resorting to harsh words or uncovering old grievances.
Despite her composed demeanor, Marks’s occasional on-screen clashes become instant social media sensations.
How do you differentiate between innocent chatter and genuinely “nasty” behavior?
Harmless gossip, to me, involves trivial matters. However, when conversations begin to target someone’s children, marriage, or business, that’s where it crosses into nastiness. These three areas are extremely sensitive for me. I’ve been relentlessly attacked in them, and while I typically don’t retaliate, everyone has a breaking point. You push me far enough, and I will eventually respond.
When you face accusations of spreading rumors, how do you handle it, and do you hold yourself accountable?
Firstly, I’m not actually doing the things they constantly accuse me of. It’s incredibly frustrating, and honestly, sometimes it’s just upsetting because the accusations are relentless. Eventually, you become somewhat desensitized to them.
Given that viewers see a heavily edited version of reality, are there any common misconceptions about you that you’d like to clarify?
Honestly, most of what the other women on the show say about me simply isn’t true. I’m not sure why I frequently become their target. At this point, when someone repeatedly proves themselves to be dishonest, their words lose all credibility for me.
I lead a wonderful, happy life with a beautiful family, and I work hard at everything I do—regardless of how some of the women try to portray me. I simply don’t have the time or patience to invest in spreading gossip or digging up dirt on them.