Brittany Cartwright is breaking her silence after her ex-husband, Jax Taylor, publicly revealed his struggles with cocaine addiction and substance abuse. In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Cartwright shared her thoughts on Taylor’s recent confession and the impact his addiction has had on their family.
Jax Taylor’s Addiction Confession
On the March 4 episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, Taylor, 45, opened up about his 20-year battle with substance abuse, primarily cocaine. He also announced that he is now 83 days sober.
- His Statement:
“People ask you, ‘Do you have an alcohol problem too?’ I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem, but the two go hand in hand. I can’t do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both.” - Sobriety Journey:
Taylor expressed pride in his progress but acknowledged the challenges of overcoming addiction.
Brittany Cartwright’s Reaction
Cartwright, 36, responded to Taylor’s revelation with a mix of relief and skepticism. In her statement to PEOPLE, she said:
- Acknowledging the Truth:
“I’m glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on. For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years.” - Skepticism About His Recovery:
“I’ve tried desperately to help him without success. I pray that one day he completely knocks this addiction, but I’m skeptical. His behaviors are still alarming, and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum.” - Focusing on Their Son:
“I’m trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and I, but every day is still a challenge and very difficult. Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage, and I have very little trust in him at this point. My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.”
Cartwright plans to delve deeper into the topic on her podcast, When Reality Hits, in an episode airing Friday, March 7.
A Decade of Turbulence
Taylor and Cartwright’s relationship has been a rollercoaster, documented on Vanderpump Rules, their spinoff Jax & Brittany Take Kentucky, and most recently, The Valley.
- Their Split:
The couple announced their separation in February 2024, just before The Valley premiered. Cartwright filed for divorce six months later, citing irreconcilable differences and requesting full custody of their son, Cruz, born in 2021. Taylor agreed to the custody arrangement in September 2024. - Taylor’s Mental Health Treatment:
Amid their separation, Taylor entered an in-patient treatment program for his mental health. A representative for Taylor told PEOPLE at the time:
“Jax has always been candid about his mental health struggles, especially during the past few months on his podcast. This is a particularly sensitive time for him and his family. They ask for privacy and respect until he is ready to speak more on this matter.”
What’s Next for the Former Couple?
In a teaser for the upcoming season of The Valley, Cartwright hinted at ongoing challenges in co-parenting with Taylor.
- Her Words:
“We are still co-parenting, but all hell is about to break loose.”
The release date for the new season has not yet been announced, but fans can expect more drama and revelations.
Final Thoughts
Jax Taylor’s admission marks a significant step in his journey toward sobriety, but Brittany Cartwright’s reaction highlights the deep scars left by his addiction. As she focuses on rebuilding her life and protecting their son, Cruz, her story serves as a reminder of the resilience required to navigate such challenges.
