Brittany Cartwright Opens Up About Divorcing Jax Taylor, Says Her Son Is Her 'Motivation'
By Favour Adegoke on August 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM EDT
Brittany Cartwright has finally discussed her divorce with Jax Taylor, saying it was not a decision made "lightly or quickly."
During her podcast, Cartwright shared that her three-year-old son has been her "motivation" amid her separation from Taylor.
Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor's divorce was reportedly a mutual decision as Taylor has since "checked out from the marriage" and wants to co-parent peacefully.
Brittany Cartwright Addresses Her Divorce From Jax Taylor
Cartwright got candid about her emotional divorce from her husband, Taylor, for the first time since she filed for the separation.
The "Vanderpump Rules" star spoke about their divorce on her "When Reality Hits" podcast on Friday and said it was not a decision she made "lightly or quickly."
She said, "It's taken me many, many years to get to this point where I gained enough courage and strength to do what's best for me, get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth."
Cartwright got emotional as she discussed their divorce and said it was a "very difficult" decision that has made her "stronger than ever."
She also spoke about their three-year-old son Cruz, whom she called her "motivation" because she knows he deserves a "happy and healthy mommy."
Brittany Cartwright And Jax Taylor's Divorce Will Play Out In Their Reality TV Show, 'The Valley'
Cartwright said she couldn't share more details on the divorce proceedings with fans during the podcast.
This is because the latest chapter of her relationship with Taylor is being "heavily documented" in season 2 of their ongoing Bravo reality series, "The Valley."
She said, "You will see how everything plays out once the show airs, but I will say this: This season has been the most difficult season I have ever had to film. I never imagined I'd go through something so personal and painful while having the world watch. I'm not saying this for anyone to feel badly, but I know that this is the life I chose and I'm so fortunate in many ways. I always want to be real with y'all."
TMZ obtained photos and videos of Cartwright and Taylor filming at a sports event for the new season, which showed them keeping their distance noticeably from each other.
A source told the publication that Cartwright seemed happy and cheerful, while Taylor was in a "funk" most of the time.
The Former Couple Will Do Their Podcast 'Separately'
Cartwright informed her fans that she and Taylor will be "doing the podcast separately" now that they have broken up.
The estranged couple already has to appear on the same reality show and run their joint sports bar, "Jax's Studio City."
As she wrapped up the podcast episode, Cartwright thanked her fans for their love and support and asked them to "hang in there" with her.
The reality TV star first announced the separation from Taylor on the podcast in February, crediting it to them "taking time apart."
However, Cartwright finally filed for divorce on Tuesday, August 27, and cited "irreconcilable differences." She's requested full custody of Cruz but wants visitation rights for Taylor.
The Divorce Was A Mutual Decision
A source close to the former couple revealed to Page Six that the divorce was a mutual decision because it was clear "that they were not a good match."
They explained that Taylor "100 percent" agreed with Cartwright's decision to file for divorce and isn't contesting it.
"He's been checked out from the marriage for a long time now," the source said. "He just wants to have an amicable co-parent relationship."
Earlier this year, the reality TV star checked into a medical center for his anger and mental health issues.
Since his release earlier this month, Cartwright has reportedly not visited him.
Brittany Cartwright On Why She Shared The News Of Her Separation From Jax Taylor
In February, while speaking about their marriage, Cartwright noted that she was trying to be honest with fans, which is why she disclosed the state of her relationship with Taylor.
"Many of you guys have been asking me about Jax and I and our relationship," she said at the time. "I just think it's important to be real and honest with you guys because our life is definitely — we've shared so much of our life with you guys. So, I feel like ... I don't want to seem like I'm lying or anything like that so I think it's important for me to say this."
Cartwright continued, "I know on my last podcast, I alluded to many marriages go through rocky times. Yes, marriages in general are very hard and I've had a particularly rough year this past year."
During the announcement, Cartwright also shared that she had moved into a separate home to protect her mental health.