Brittany Cartwright opens up about her ‘very difficult’ divorce from Jax Taylor for the first time: ‘I know this is the life I chose’
An emotional Brittany Cartwright discussed her decision to file for divorce from Jax Taylor for the first time on her podcast “When Reality Hits” on Friday, which she said was not taken “lightly or in haste.”
“It took me years to get to this point where I gained enough courage and strength to do what was best for myself, get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth,” the former “Vanderpump Rules” cast member explained in the episode.
Cartwright, 35, who appeared to hold back tears while speaking, admitted her split from Taylor, 45, was “very difficult” but that she considers herself “stronger than ever” because of her decision.
“My motivation is my son, my Cruzie, who deserves a happy and healthy mom,” the mother of one said, referring to her 3-year-old son, Cruz, whom she shares with her estranged husband.
Cartwright told her fans that she can’t go into too much detail about the latest developments in her marriage because it’s all being “heavily documented” for her current Bravo series, “The Valley.”
On Saturday, photos and videos of the reality stars attending a group sporting event for Season 2 revealed how their exes are keeping their distance from each other even while they’re on the same show.
A source told TMZ, who obtained the photos and behind-the-scenes footage, that Cartwright looked carefree and cheerful, while Taylor seemed more “sad.”
“You’ll see how everything plays out once the show airs, but I will say this: This season has been the hardest season I’ve ever had,” Cartwright assured her listeners on her podcast on Friday.
“I never thought I would go through something so personal and painful with the whole world watching,” the “Vanderpump Rules: Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky” alum admitted.
“I’m not saying this to offend anyone, but I know this is the life I chose and I’m very blessed in many ways. I always want to be truthful with you all.”
Cartwright — who, in addition to being on the same TV show as Taylor, has also opened a sports bar, Jax Studio City, with him — revealed that they will “do the podcast separately” from now on.
She concluded, “Thank you so much to all of you for your support. I love you so much. … Please bear with me.”
Cartwright filed for divorce from Taylor on Tuesday after five years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She wants full custody of Cruz but is also giving her ex-husband visitation rights.
A source exclusively told Page Six on Wednesday that the decision to end the relationship was “sad” for the former couple, but that it “became clear they weren’t a good couple.”
The insider also said at the time that Taylor was “100 percent on board” with his wife’s decision to divorce.
“He has been out of the marriage for a long time. He simply wants to have an amicable co-parenting relationship,” the source told us.
Cartwright first confirmed in February that she and Taylor were splitting, saying on her podcast that they were “spending time apart” as she moved “to another house” for her mental health.
The Bravo star opened up about the many “toxic” fights they had prior to their split.
In July, Taylor checked herself into a treatment center to work on her anger and mental health issues.
We’re told Cartwright hasn’t visited him since moving in earlier this month.
Instead, the recently single star has been spotted hanging out around the city with her friends, and there have even been romance rumors with former “Bachelorette” cast member Tanner Courtaud.
Taylor was also spotted hanging out with “Valley” co-star Jesse Lali in West Hollywood, Calif., on Tuesday night. He was linked to model Peggy Woolen earlier this year.
