Scheana Shay Blasts Jax Taylor For Putting Family 'Through A Lot' Of Pain After Revealing Drug Addiction

Jax Taylor admitting that he's been struggling with an addiction to cocaine since he was 23 came as a surprise to some viewers but not to his fellow "Vanderpump Rules" co-star Scheana Shay.

The fellow Bravo OG, who joined "VPR" during season 1, recently commented on Jax Taylor's big reveal and admitted that she had an idea about his off-screen behavior. Additionally, Shay shared her thoughts on Taylor's relationship with his soon-to-be ex-wife, Brittany Cartwright, and their three-year-old son, Cruz, and said the reality TV villain had put them "through a lot" of pain.

While appearing on an episode of Bravo's "Hot Mic" podcast with "Vanderpump Rules" producer Alex Baskin, Taylor, who's known for his outrageous antics on the show, opened up about struggling with addiction.

"I'm an addict," Taylor said before saying he's struggled with "substance issues—primarily cocaine ... since I was 23 and now I'm 45."

The reality star continued: "There [were] times where I would stop doing it, but then there were times where I'd go heavy on it."

Taylor admitted how challenging it was for him to discuss this aspect of his life so freely.

"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."

The father of one also addressed his relationship with alcohol, explaining he had cut that out of his life, too.

"I can’t do cocaine without drinking," he said. "So I just gave up both. I’m proud to say I’m 83 days sober right now, which is the longest I’ve ever gone in my life without either."

During an interview with PEOPLE, Shay, who just finished her run on "The Masked Singer," opened up about Taylor, Cartwright, and their son, Cruz.

“Brittany and Cruz have always been my priority in this situation,” she said before explaining how she knew "everything" that was going on with their relationship with Taylor. "I just want her to have a peaceful life. I want Cruz to grow up with two parents who put him as their priority," she added.

In response to Taylor's revelation that he was an "addict," Shay seemingly suggested she was aware of his struggle.

“I think that was a long time coming,” she said. “Jax has put her and her son through a lot, and I'm glad that he is finally taking care of himself and sober. I just hope that he continues on this path, not only for himself but for Brittany and for their son.”

Taylor's longtime best friend and Bravo peer, Tom Sandoval, applauded him for talking about his journey with addiction on an episode of "Watch What Happens Live" with Andy Cohen.

Sandoval, who starred in season 3 of Peacock's highly acclaimed series "The Traitors," called Taylor's moment "amazing" before revealing how "proud of him" he was.

The 42-year-old, who became public enemy number one amongst "VPR" viewers after his seven-month affair with his then-girlfriend's (Ariana Madix) best friend (Raquel Leviss) was uncovered during season 10 in 2023, also shared whether he was privy to Taylor's off-camera behavior.

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

Cartwright, who's starring in Bravo's new reality show "The Valley" alongside Taylor, shared that she was "glad" her son's father was able to "finally" admit "to what was really going on" behind the scenes.

She said it was "the first time" she could share "openly about the extent of trauma he's instilled on our family over the years."

Elsewhere, during his chat on the "Hot Mic" podcast, Taylor revealed that he was "83" days sober; however, Cartwright admitted she was "skeptical" of his recovery journey.

"His behaviors are still alarming, and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum," she stated.

For those unfamiliar with Taylor and Cartwright's situation, the pair are currently in the middle of a messy divorce that began in August 2024.

Cartwright listed "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for their split after five years of marriage and also addressed their relationship on her podcast, "When Reality Hits."

"I don't know what the future holds, but right now, my focus is on being the best mom to Cruz, and I love you guys. Pray for us, and everything will be just fine," she said.

Although season 2 of "The Valley," which producers and castmates alike have teased as "gripping," doesn't have an air date as of yet, it will highlight the unfolding drama in Cartwright and Taylor's relationship while also addressing the latter's struggles with addiction.