During the premiere episode of his podcast, Inside the Mind of a Man, Jax made a strong statement, emphasizing that he does not hold Brittany accountable for the challenges they faced due to his addiction. He believes that she deserves support and understanding rather than blame, highlighting the importance of compassion in situations involving addiction.

As a former star of Vanderpump Rules and current participant in the spinoff The Valley, Jax revealed that Brittany was at the forefront of his thoughts as he publicly addressed his long-term battle with cocaine addiction. His decision to come forward was not just for himself but also to acknowledge the emotional toll it has taken on her and their family.

“When I was making this disclosure, I wanted to ensure that I approached it with sensitivity,” he explained. “Brittany has endured so much throughout this ordeal. I know people may reach out to her, offering praise, but there will also be those who question why she didn’t intervene sooner to help me.”

He pushed back against the narrative of blame, as noted by E! News, stating, “This is by no means, shape, or form her fault at all. She should not be subjected to any criticism regarding this situation.” His firm stance highlights the need for understanding in the complex dynamics of addiction and relationships.

While acknowledging that Brittany was aware of his struggles with addiction, Jax recognized that it must have been deeply painful for her to witness him speak publicly about his issues for the first time. He understands that this situation is not easy for her, and he emphasizes the emotional complexity involved.

Jax went on to highlight Brittany’s qualities, describing her as an incredible mother and a wonderful person. He firmly stated that their separation cannot be attributed solely to her actions. The couple shares a three-year-old son, Cruz, and Jax is adamant about his commitment to co-parenting despite their differences.

“She’s a human being, and she was pushed to her limits. I do not blame her for how things have unfolded,” Jax clarified. This acknowledgment reflects his understanding of the pressures that both partners face in such challenging circumstances.

He further elaborated that “there were other issues that contributed to the relationship’s challenges, which were not related to drinking and alcohol, that she is still upset about,” though he chose not to elaborate on those matters. This statement hints at the complexities of their relationship and the various factors that led to their current situation.

Ultimately, in his decision to reveal his unfiltered truth, Jax expressed, “I don’t really care what anyone thinks except for Brittany. Honestly, my main concern is her happiness,” referring to the mother of his child as “my only priority.” This statement underscores his desire to prioritize their child’s wellbeing above all else.

In August 2024, Cartwright filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences and seeking legal and physical custody of their son. In the time since, Taylor has shared his decision to pursue in-patient treatment for his mental health, revealing that he has been diagnosed with both Bipolar Disorder and PTSD. This personal journey reflects his commitment to healing and growth.

Commenting on his public admission, Brittany told People on March 14, “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 has caused our family over the years.” Her statement reveals the deep emotional scars left by his addiction.

“I pray that one day he completely overcomes this addiction, but I am skeptical,” she continued. “His behaviors remain concerning, and his treatment plan appears to be the bare minimum.” Brittany’s doubts underscore the challenges that come with supporting a partner in recovery.

“I’m trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and myself, but every day remains a challenge and incredibly difficult,” she stated. “Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage, and I have very little trust in him at this point.” Her candid remarks highlight the emotional strain of dealing with the aftermath of addiction.

“My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.” This statement encapsulates her desire for Jax to achieve personal growth and recovery for the sake of their child.

While the reality star chose not to delve into some other issues that contributed to the end of his relationship, he was open about the factors that led to his departure from Vanderpump Rules. Jax takes full responsibility for his actions, acknowledging that they played a significant role in his exit from the show.

Recognizing that he had “a lot of diva moments” in his final season, as reported by Us Weekly, Jax reflected on how the culmination of heated arguments and conflicts marked the end of his time on the show. His honesty about his behavior reflects a willingness to learn and grow from his experiences.

One particularly challenging scene arose when production requested the cast to film at the beach in Malibu, despite all of them residing in Hollywood. Jax recognized that the logistics of such a shoot were impractical and expressed his frustrations during that season.

“So I suggested that we replicate the same scene at a park in West Hollywood,” Jax explained. “Why should we endure rush hour traffic to get to Malibu for a five-minute scene that will take two hours to shoot?” His perspective reveals his practical approach to production challenges.

In hindsight, he admitted that he was “micromanaging” the production process in that moment, which may have led to unnecessary tension. “I was exhibiting diva behavior by insisting, ‘I’m not going to the beach. We can easily have the same conversation in the park across the street,’” he recalled.

“They wanted us to go to the beach and help clean up, which is fine, but I was adamant about not doing it,” he stated. “I refused to drive three hours, and that’s when I realized I needed a dose of humility.” This critical self-reflection showcases his growth and awareness of his past behavior.

Looking back, Jax believes that this “diva moment,” driven by ego, may have been the turning point for Bravo when they decided they had “enough” of his behavior. His acknowledgment of this turning point illustrates his self-awareness and willingness to take responsibility for his past actions.

However, his podcast co-host, VPR executive producer Alex Baskin, reminded him that the situation was even more problematic than he recalls. It wasn’t just Jax refusing to participate; he was also discouraging others from going along with the plan. “That’s what it was,” he told Jax.

“What affected us was your attitude about it, coupled with your insistence on telling others not to attend. ‘I’m not going to go; this is so ridiculous,’ you were texting other cast members,” he elaborated. “Naturally, we saw those texts and thought, ‘Can you believe Jax is sabotaging the production?’” This feedback offers insight into how his behavior was perceived by others in the cast.

Jax acknowledged that he crossed a line during that moment. “It was such a foolish move,” he conceded. “I feel like that was my nail in the coffin because I had already rubbed the producers the wrong way over the years.” This self-reflection indicates his recognition of the consequences of his actions.

“That was simply the final straw,” he speculated. “They likely thought, ‘Listen, he needs a dose of humility and can’t continue this behavior of attempting to incite a mutiny among the cast.’” His insights show an understanding of the dynamics at play within the production and his role in those dynamics.

Jax had been a part of the show since its inception until he and Brittany were abruptly let go in 2020. The couple hinted that tensions behind the scenes contributed to their exits, showcasing the challenges that reality television can bring to personal relationships.

Since then, however, things have settled down, and both Jax and Brittany have found themselves back within the VPR universe as part of The Valley, a spinoff that focuses less on partying and more on family dynamics. This shift indicates a potential for growth and change in their narrative.

Despite their estrangement, both Jax and Brittany are set to return for Season 2 of The Valley, where fans can expect to witness the unraveling of their relationship as their divorce proceedings unfold. This development promises to provide an intimate look at their struggles and the impact on their family.

While a release date for the upcoming season has yet to be announced, the teaser suggests that “all hell” will break “loose” between the couple, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the drama ahead.