Brittany Cartwright said out after filing for divorce from Jax Taylor, explaining the decision was “not made lightly or quickly.”
“It’s been a big week,” Cartwright, 35, admitted on the Friday, Aug. 30 episode of her and Jax’s joint podcast, “When Reality Hits.”
“Unfortunately I can’t talk in detail because everything has been documented in the show since we are filming. You will see how everything happened when the show airs, but I will say: This season is the hardest season I’ve been filming.
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Cartwright opened up about the personal toll the breakup took, especially as the news became public.
“I never imagined that I would go through something so personal and painful while watching the world. I’m not saying this to anyone who feels bad, but I know that this is the life I chose and I’m lucky in many ways. I always want to be real with you all,” he said.
Denying that the divorce was a “publicity stunt”, Cartwright shared more details while thanking fans for their support.
“My decision to file was not made lightly or quickly. It took me many years to get to this point, I gained enough courage and strength to do what is best for me, get out of a toxic relationship and finally see the value,” he said. “It’s been tough, but I’m stronger than ever…my motivation is my son, Cruzie, who deserves a happy, healthy mom. Going forward, Jax and I will be doing separate podcasts.
Us Weekly confirmed on August 27, Cartwright filed to end his five-year marriage to Taylor, 45. He listed January 24 as the date of the couple’s separation in documents obtained by usstated irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split. Cartwright asked the court not to award spousal support to him or Taylor.
The reality star is seeking primary legal and physical custody of Cruz’s 3-year-old son, with Taylor visiting.
Cartwright revealed in February that he and Taylor were “taking a break,” sparking widespread “speculation” about their relationship status.
“Many of you ask about me and Jax and our relationship. I just think it’s important to be real and honest with you because we’ve shared a lot about life with you,” he said in the podcast episode “When Reality Hits” . “I don’t want to look like I’m lying or anything. So I think it’s important for me to say this. … Well, marriage is very difficult, and I’ve had a very difficult year.
Cartwright insisted he wanted to be “transparent” with fans, revealing he was moving “into another house” amid marital woes. “I’m not going to go into too many details right now because it’s still hard to talk about,” she added, noting that her main focus is “being the best mom for Cruz.”
A month later, Taylor exclusively opened us about split navigation. “I want people to know that they can coparent and run a business and be OK with each other,” she said at the premiere party for season 1. Valley. “Not everyone gets divorced because they cheated. Believe it or not, that’s not the case. I know it’s shocking. We just don’t communicate now and that’s it. … We take some time for ourselves.”
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In a separate interview, Cartwright said: us he still loves Taylor very much despite the problems. “I love him, but I think he deserves more than what he’s given. It’s back and forth,” he said, adding that he wants Cruz “to grow up watching a happy household.”
Cartwright delved further into the state of his relationship with Taylor’s divorce in the April issue of Us Weekly. “He always takes me and takes everything that has been given. He always looks for something else, even if it’s work or this or that, he’s never satisfied,” he said. “He can’t slow down and be grateful for what we have. And it’s definitely a lot of pressure for me, because I love it so much.
Bravo fans have witnessed the couple’s ups and downs over the years. Cartwright joins Taylor in season 4 of Vanderpump Rules in 2015, and viewers watched the couple exchange vows in 2019 after suffering Taylor’s loyalty. The couple left Lisa VanderpumpThe reality series in 2020, returns to TV in a spin-off Valley, which debuted earlier this year.
Cameras are now rolling on season 2 of Valley. Shortly before Cartwright filed for divorce, Taylor completed a 30-day treatment program for mental health.
