A new chapter has begun for Jax Taylor. Following his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright’s divorce filing just over a week ago, the star of The Valley has spoken out about her decision to end their marriage. To everyone’s surprise, he has accepted her choice with grace.
On the September 6 episode of their podcast, When Reality Hits With Jax and Brittany, Jax expressed his understanding of Brittany’s decision. “Unfortunately, she’s had enough,” he commented. “I don’t blame her at all. I can’t believe she’s stayed with me this long, honestly.”
Despite Jax’s past infidelity, Brittany clarified that cheating was not the reason for their separation, instead attributing it to ongoing communication issues
The 45-year-old admitted he was stunned when Brittany decided to leave and move out of their home in February. “I was kind of in shock when she decided to leave,” he reflected. “I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was.”
Jax also revealed details about his recent stay at a mental health facility, where he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder and PTSD. “Initially, I hated it,” he said. “But then I grew to love it. I was so sad to leave and didn’t want to go. I had a structured routine, and it felt like a safe space.”
Anticipating the return to filming Vanderpump Rules season two brought him anxiety. “I was scared of facing the world again, knowing people would be upset and that I had to return to filming,” he admitted.
His recent podcast episode comes shortly after Brittany publicly addressed her decision to file for divorce after five years of marriage. On the August 30 podcast episode, she clarified that her choice wasn’t a publicity stunt. “It took me years to muster the courage to leave a toxic relationship and see my own worth,” Brittany explained. “My focus now is on being a strong mom for Cruz.”
Prior to their marriage, Jax had a public affair in 2017 with Faith Stowers, a former SUR waitress. “This isn’t my first time being caught cheating,” he admitted at the time. “In the past, I tried to deny it, but that didn’t work.”
Although Brittany initially broke up with Jax, they reconciled and married in 2020. By February 2024, Brittany announced their separation after four years of marriage. “It’s been a tough year, and for my mental health, I decided to move out,” she said.
As their relationship further deteriorated, the The Valley trailer revealed cracks in their marriage. Brittany admitted in the preview, “I don’t feel like he’s attracted to me, we never have sex,” while Jax remarked, “Being married can be really hard.”
Despite speculations of infidelity, Jax denied the claims. “We’re just having communication issues,” he told E! News. “There’s no cheating involved.” Brittany confirmed that infidelity wasn’t the cause of their breakup and shared that their separation began with a fight in January. “I’ve been staying in an Airbnb since January 24 for my mental well-being,” she said.
Both Jax and Brittany agree that their primary concern is their son. “He’s our top priority, and we both agree on that,” Jax stated. Brittany echoed this sentiment, emphasizing she doesn’t want her son exposed to conflict.
In March, Brittany acknowledged there was still hope for reconciliation, provided Jax makes the necessary changes. “I’ve stood by him through so much, and if he makes certain changes, there might be a chance to get back together,” she said. “But for now, I need to focus on my own well-being.”
Former SUR boss Lisa Vanderpump wasn’t surprised by the separation. “People predicted this outcome when they got married,” she shared. “It’s likely related to Jax’s past behavior.” Scheana Shay and Kristen Doute also supported Brittany, with Scheana believing she deserves better and Kristen applauding Brittany for setting boundaries.
In the season finale of The Valley, Brittany confronted Jax about his alleged insults. Jax, who had sought treatment for mental health issues in July, mainly credited their son Cruz as his motivation to seek help. By August 2024, Brittany made their separation official by filing for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences” and seeking primary custody of Cruz.
