Tom Sandoval Admits 'Vanderpump Rules' Cast Was Aware Of Jax Taylor's Cocaine Addiction

Jax Taylor shared a bombshell revelation in early March 2025 that he had been struggling with an addiction to cocaine for the last two decades.

According to him, nobody on the set of Bravo's hit reality show "Vanderpump Rules" knew about his behind-the-scenes behavior.

However, during different recent appearances, Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent, both of whom filmed several seasons of "VPR" with Jax Taylor, revealed they had suspicions about their co-star's off-camera actions. Now, they're just happy he's speaking openly about it.

During a recent episode of Alex Baskin's "Hot Mic" podcast, Taylor opened up about his personal life in a way that viewers haven't seen before.

"I'm an addict," he said before sharing he has "substance issues ... primarily with cocaine."

"I've never said this in my life," he said. "So, to come out and say that I have an addiction [and] that I have a sickness that I have to work on the rest of my life is a really big deal for me," he continued, adding that his confession was like having a "huge weight lifted off [of] my shoulders."

Taylor revealed that he doesn't have an issue with alcohol; however, in the past, he only used the illicit drug while drinking.

"I can’t do cocaine without drinking," he admitted. "So I just gave up both."

While appearing on Andy Cohen's "Watch What Happens Live," Sandoval, who's been best friends with Taylor since before the show aired in 2013, said it was "amazing" that his friend was opening up about his addiction.

"I'm so proud of him," he continued, adding, "I think that's so awesome. He really seems like he's really been working on himself, for real."

According to Sandoval, he was "aware" of Taylor's cocaine use, and so were the other "Vanderpump Rules" cast members.

“Yes, I was somewhat aware of his problems with addiction," Sandoval revealed. “I’ve been around him over the years, obviously."

Another Bravo veteran who shared their thoughts about Taylor's candid interview with Baskin about his struggles is Kent.

Over the years, the two have been involved in several explosive feuds.

Viewers have seen them bicker over loyalty in their friendship, Taylor's issues with infidelity, and Kent's journey with sobriety.

Despite their chaotic dynamic, though, Kent admitted during an Amazon Live streaming event that she was "proud" of Taylor for speaking about such a "delicate subject."

Kent, who's been sober for six years, acknowledged that Taylor was now going through a "journey" that only he should speak on.

“I wish him nothing but the best in his sobriety,” Lala concluded. “Your heart feels broken, but there’s so much hope in sobriety, so that’s what I’m feeling for him, very, very hopeful and excited to see what his future holds if he chooses down that path.”

Elsewhere, during his interview with Baskin, Taylor admitted that in between filming scenes for "Vanderpump Rules," he'd go to the bar next door to their filming location or the back alley to get "lit" or "ripped."

He said, “I would go off on my own. We would film a scene, and you have 30 minutes [of] downtime, so most people go rest. I would go to a bar, get lit, or go next door from SUR, and that’s where we all went because we weren’t allowed to drink during scenes."

The reality star, who's now appearing in Bravo's new show, "The Valley," believed he was keeping his drug use concealed, "But clearly, I wasn’t,” he said.

“When I watch back, I’m like, ‘How big are my f-cking pupils? I’m sweating and there’s no reason to be sweating in the scene. Why am I sweating?’” Taylor stated.

Taylor also revealed that he was "83 days sober" when the episode of "Hot Mic" was released on March 4, 2025. According to him, it's the "longest" amount of time he's gone without alcohol or cocaine.

However, his soon-to-be-ex-wife, Brittany Cartwright, admitted she was "skeptical" of his sobriety journey. During a previous interview, she called Taylor's behaviors "alarming" before slamming his recovery plan as "the bare minimum."

In August 2024, Cartwright officially filed for divorce from Taylor, citing "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split.

The reality star and mother of one addressed the separation on her podcast, "When Reality Hits," and said her focus was on being a great parent to her three-year-old son, Cruz.

"Pray for us, and everything will be just fine," she finished.