Hold on to your Rosé Vanderpump Rules fans because things just got seriously real. Jax Taylor the guy we've watched stir up drama for years has dropped a bombshell. He's confessing to a long-term battle with cocaine addiction and the reactions are pouring in from all sides especially from ex-wife Brittany Cartwright and former co-star Lala Kent . Let's dive into this Vanderpump Rules shocker.
"I'm an Addict": Jax Taylor's Honest Confession About Cocaine Use
Jax Taylor didn't hold back when he appeared on Bravo's "Hot Mic" podcast . He straight up said "I am coming out that I'm an addict." He told host Alex Baskin that he has "substance issues primarily with cocaine". It was a big moment for Jax admitting to something he has struggled with for over two decades. "It’s hard to say out loud" he admitted "I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23 and now I’m 45."
He also shared that he is currently 83 days sober from both cocaine and alcohol. Jax explained that while he doesn't believe he has an alcohol problem he knows the two "go hand in hand" for him. He wants to tackle this addiction head-on calling it "a sickness that I have to work on the rest of my life." He even acknowledged that viewers might have suspected something was up over the years of watching him on reality TV .
Brittany Cartwright Speaks Out: "Irreparable Damage" and Years of Empty Promises
Brittany Cartwright Jax's estranged wife and mother to his son Cruz did not mince words in her response. In an Instagram story and later in a statement to People she shared her raw feelings. "His addiction unfortunately has done Irreparable damage to my son and I" Brittany wrote. She revealed she spent "years trying to help him" but felt let down by "his empty promises and his pleads to change."
Brittany admitted it wasn't easy to leave especially with their son involved. She acknowledged those asking "why I stayed if I knew he had a problem all these years" explaining "You can’t help who you fell in love with." While she is "glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on" she also expressed skepticism. "His behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum" she stated. Brittany hopes Jax will one day "be a better person for his son" but for now she is focused on navigating this challenging situation for herself and Cruz.
Lala Kent Shows Support and Empathy: "Sobriety is Not One Size Fits All"
Lala Kent another Vanderpump Rules alum and someone who is open about her own sobriety journey shared a more supportive take. Lala said she is "proud" of Jax for being honest about his addiction. "That is not easy to admit" she commented during her Amazon Live. She emphasized that "sobriety for someone it’s not one size fits all. Everyone has a different level of addiction but addiction is addiction."
Lala who has been in a sobriety program for "six years four months and some change" offered a message of hope. "Your heart feels broken but there’s so much hope in sobriety" she said. She expressed excitement to see "what his future holds if he chooses down this path." Lala also showed support for Brittany calling her "one of my dearest friends" and respecting her privacy regarding her own story.
Hollywood's Open Book on Addiction: Jax Joins a Growing List of Stars Sharing Their Journeys
Jax Taylor's candidness is part of a bigger trend of celebrities speaking more openly about addiction and recovery. It is becoming less of a taboo topic and more of a conversation. Here are a few other stars who have shared their stories of battling addiction and finding sobriety:
- Tom Holland: The Spider-Man star opened up about being "addicted to alcohol" and how quitting improved his life.
- Alec Baldwin: The actor has been sober for almost four decades and has spoken about his past cocaine and alcohol problems.
- Anne Hathaway: The Oscar winner shared she is over five years sober and that "everything is better" since making that choice.
- Demi Moore: Demi Moore has been vocal about her "self-destructive path" and journey to recovery.
- Drew Barrymore: Drew Barrymore herself has been open about her past struggles with alcohol and drugs and celebrating years of sobriety.
- Bradley Cooper: The A Star Is Born actor credits friend Will Arnett with helping him get sober from cocaine in his early career.
- Jamie Lee Curtis: The Halloween star has been sober for decades after battling a 10-year opiate addiction.
- Elton John: The music legend's decades-long battle with addiction is well documented, and he has been a strong advocate for recovery.
This list is just a glimpse and there are many more celebrities who have bravely shared their stories. Jax Taylor joining this conversation helps to further normalize the discussion around addiction and recovery and can offer hope and encouragement to others facing similar battles.
Moving Forward: What's Next for Jax Brittany and The Valley?
Jax Taylor's confession and Brittany and Lala's responses are still unfolding. Brittany and Jax's journey through separation and co-parenting will likely be a storyline on the upcoming season of their new show "The Valley". How Jax's sobriety journey plays out remains to be seen but his public admission is a significant first step.
For fans of Vanderpump Rules and The Valley this latest development adds another layer of complexity and reality to the already dramatic world they follow. It's a reminder that behind the reality TV personas are real people dealing with real struggles. As Jax embarks on his sobriety journey and Brittany navigates a new chapter as a single mom and Lala continues to offer support the Vanderpump Rules universe continues to be anything but boring.