Brittany Cartwright Skeptical of Jax Taylor’s Sobriety Journey
Brittany Cartwright, the former Vanderpump Rules star, has expressed doubts about her estranged husband Jax Taylor’s ability to overcome his cocaine addiction. In a candid statement to People, Cartwright revealed she remains “skeptical” about Taylor’s long-term sobriety, despite his recent confession on Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast. Taylor, who admitted to struggling with cocaine addiction, claimed he has been sober for 83 days but still uses marijuana occasionally to sleep. Cartwright, however, is unconvinced, pointing out that his behavior remains “alarming” and that his treatment plan seems minimal.
A Challenging Co-Parenting Relationship
The couple, who share a 3-year-old son named Cruz, has been navigating a fraught co-parenting relationship since their divorce filing in August 2024. Cartwright described the experience as “still a challenge and very difficult,” citing ongoing trust issues with Taylor. Despite her efforts to support him, she admitted that his actions have caused significant trauma for their family. Cartwright, however, remains hopeful that Taylor will one day become a better person for the sake of their child. She emphasized that her primary focus is protecting Cruz and ensuring his well-being.
Jax Taylor’s Admission and Brittany’s Relief
Taylor’s recent admission of his struggles came as a relief to Cartwright, who had long been aware of his issues but felt unable to speak openly about them. “For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” she shared. Cartwright expressed some gladness that Taylor had finally acknowledged his addiction, though she remains guarded about his commitment to change. She has tried to help him in the past but was met with little success, leaving her with deep-seated doubts about his ability to reform.
Jax Taylor’s Efforts and Brittany’s Ongoing Doubts
Taylor, who sought inpatient treatment for mental health struggles in July 2024, has since been open about his diagnoses of bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He has also acknowledged being a “textbook narcissist” and expressed a desire to improve for the sake of his son. However, Cartwright insists that Taylor’s behavior has not changed “at all” and that he continues to engage in troubling actions, such as “rage texting” her. Despite these challenges, Taylor maintains that he is trying to meet Cartwright’s expectations and rebuild trust, though their relationship remains volatile.
Custody Battles and Legal Complications
The custody of Cruz has been a significant point of contention in the couple’s divorce proceedings. In October 2024, Taylor granted Cartwright full legal and physical custody of their son, but the process was marred by confusion. Court documents initially suggested that the couple was never legally married, a claim that their spokesperson later dismissed as an error. Cartwright even took a lighthearted jab at the situation on Instagram, commenting, “Paperwork is hard for some people.” Meanwhile, Taylor has moved just one mile away from Cartwright in an effort to remain involved in Cruz’s life.
The Broader Implications of Their Struggle
Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor’s story is a complex and deeply human one, filled with moments of hope and frustration. While Taylor’s admission of his addiction and his efforts to seek help are steps in the right direction, Cartwright’s skepticism highlights the long and difficult road to rebuilding trust. Their situation serves as a reminder of the challenges of co-parenting in the wake of addiction and betrayal, as well as the resilience required to navigate such struggles for the sake of a child. Ultimately, their journey raises important questions about the nature of accountability, redemption, and the enduring impact of past wounds.
