Jax Taylor revealed this week that he has been struggling with cocaine addiction and “substance issues” for more than two decades– a confession that came as no surprise to most Vanderpump Rules fans, as well as some of the show’s cast, including Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent, who recently admitted to knowing about Jax’s coke habit.
As The Ashley told you on Tuesday, Jax opened up about his addiction issues on Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast, telling host (and executive producer of The Valley) Alex Baskin that he is currently “83 days sober” from both cocaine and alcohol.
During an appearance on Wednesday’s Watch What Happens Live, Jax’s longtime friend Tom Sandoval was asked about Jax’s announcement, telling host Andy Cohen it’s “amazing” that Jax is getting help for his issues.
“I’m so proud of him,” Sandoval said. “I think that’s so awesome. He really seems like he’s really been working on himself, for real this time.”
Andy went on to ask Sandoval if he was already aware that Jax was struggling with addiction issues prior to his announcement this week, to which Sandoval admitted he was “somewhat aware.”
“ … I’ve been around him over the years, obviously,” Sandoval said, before going on to confirm that the cast of ‘Vanderpump Rules’ were also aware of Jax’s struggles.
Lala Kent also seemingly confirmed this week that the news of Jax’s drug addiction wasn’t news to her after she was asked during her Amazon Live event to weigh in on Jax’s interview. While she admitted that she hadn’t listened to the podcast episode, Lala said Scheana Shay had reached out to her that day to fill her in.
Lala went on to explain to fans that Jax’s estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, is one of her “dearest friends,” and because of this, she knows “a lot” about what has gone on in the couple’s marriage. Despite being privy to some of those struggles, Lala said it was ultimately Brittany’s story to tell, not hers.
“ … and now that Jax has come out talking about his addiction, it’s a very, very delicate subject,” she said.
Lala noted that while she’s been “in a program” for her own sobriety for more than six years now, she doesn’t believe sobriety is a “one size fits all” thing.
“Everyone has a different level of addiction, but addiction is addiction,” she said. “I wanna say that I am very proud of him, whether I dig him or not. Take all of my personal views on him out of it and let’s just stick to this topic.
“I’m incredibly proud of him, that is not easy to admit,” she continued. “This is going to be his journey and his journey only, and he should be the only one to speak on it because none of us know what he’s been through in his life.”
Lala added that she was really happy for both Jax and Jax and Brittany’s three-year-old son Cruz and is wishing Jax “nothing but the best” in his sobriety journey.
Lala was also asked during the Amazon Live if she was aware that Jax had stated on Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast that he planned to reach out to her at some point to talk about sobriety. Lala said she didn’t know Jax had made that comment, before revealing that she’s actually had him blocked on social media for some time.
“I need to unblock him, like, immediately, now that he’s a sober person,” she said, before going on to thank the fan for letting her know that Jax allegedly wants to speak to her.
As The Ashley told you on Tuesday, Brittany– who filed for divorce from Jax in August– has also made it clear that she, too, was aware of Jax’s drug addiction prior to this week, telling People she was happy that Jax “finally admitted to what was really going on,” as she’s now able to “speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled in our family over the years.”
“I’ve tried desperately to help him without success,” she said. “I pray that one day he completely knocks this addiction, but I’m skeptical. His behaviors are still alarming and his treatment plan seems to be the bare minimum.”
Brittany went on to say that she’s navigating the situation to the best of her ability for herself and Cruz, while admitting that “every day is still a challenge and very difficult.”
“Jax has caused an enormous amount of damage and I have very little trust in him at this point,” she said. “My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.”
(Photos: Bravo; Instagram; Amazon)
5 Responses
Most of what Jax says are lies.
Most of what Tom Sandoval says are lies.
Always good to keep in mind.
Of course these two attention seekers had to comment. Everybody knew you dipsh!ts. People that never met the man could have told you after 1 episode of Pump rules.
seriously? just watch the first season. this isn’t news
Im sure most of the cast, if not all, did a little booger sugar during the show. They were you not in LA so it’s not surprising. While many left it behind jax’s behavior has always shown he had not. Hope he can stay sober.
Helen Keller herself could tell Jaxy had a booger sugar problem, this is not shocking.
I do wish him the best on his sobriety though, and hope he remains successful for himself and his son.