Brittany Cartwright, a star of “Vanderpump Rules,” recently opened up about a tumultuous argument with her estranged husband, Jax Taylor, which ultimately led him to seek help for his substance abuse issues. The incident occurred in November 2024, when Jax, after a night of partying, was in a terrible mood during a car ride to their son Cruz’s doctor’s appointment. Brittany recalled that Jax’s behavior was so distressing that it brought her to tears, and she even considered getting out of the car to escape the situation. Despite her request for him not to join them, Jax insisted, and the couple’s argument began over a bar opening, not another man, as Jax had previously claimed. The confrontation escalated when a strange man’s phone number appeared on the GPS, prompting Jax to grab her phone and yell at her while their young son was in the backseat. This harrowing experience left Brittany deeply shaken.
Jax, now 45, later admitted on Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast that he had lost control during the argument, acknowledging that his behavior that day was a turning point. He claimed that his son Cruz was the catalyst for his decision to seek help, realizing he needed to address his issues. However, Brittany disputes this narrative, asserting that it was not their son that prompted Jax to change, but rather the intervention of others. She revealed that after the argument, she returned home in an Uber, locked the door, and contacted Jax’s sister, her manager, publicist, and the show’s executive producer, Alex Baskin. This, she believes, threatened Jax’s reality TV career and pushed him to seek rehabilitation. Brittany emphasized that without this intervention, she doubts Jax would have taken the necessary steps toward recovery.
Following the incident, Jax checked himself into a rehab center, marking a different approach from his earlier visit to a mental health facility. However, his stay was short-lived, as he left after just 17 days. Brittany expressed skepticism about Jax’s commitment to sobriety, noting her years of efforts to support his recovery and their family. Despite her doubts, she made it clear that she wants the best for Jax, reflecting on the deep love she once had for him and her desire for their family’s happiness.
Jax, celebrating a milestone, recently shared on Instagram that he had reached 100 days of sobriety, posting a photo and a chart showing his abstinence from cocaine and alcohol. This update came as Brittany leaned on her friends for support, including a recent visit to her former co-star Scheana Shay’s home to watch her on “The Masked Singer.” Shay described the outing as a much-needed escape for Brittany, who has been dealing with the challenges of her divorce and Jax’s addiction.
The couple, who filed for divorce in August after five years of marriage, continues to navigate their separation amidst these personal struggles. Brittany’s emotional journey highlights the complexities of loving someone battling addiction and the resilience required to prioritize her own well-being and that of their child. Her experience underscores the importance of a strong support system, as she relies on friends and colleagues during this tough time.
In conclusion, Brittany and Jax’s story is one of love, struggle, and the ongoing challenges of addiction and recovery. While Jax’s progress is a positive step, Brittany’s perspective reminds us of the complex emotions involved in such situations. For those affected by substance abuse, resources like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Helpline (800-662-4357) offer crucial support, emphasizing the need for compassion and understanding in the face of addiction.
