Brittany Cartwright reveals 'motivation' behind split with Jax Taylor and subsequent divorce filing

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Brittany Cartwright has finally revealed the “motivation” behind her decision to file for divorce from her husband of five years, Jax Taylor, 45.

Five months after their separation, the 35-year-old television star filed for divorce on Tuesday, citing “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for the split.

Although their marriage has ended, Cartwright and Taylor's professional relationship continues as they star in Bravo's reality show 'The Valley,' where the dissolution of their marriage will be documented on camera.

Brittany Cartwright reveals the ‘motivation’ behind her divorce

Brittany Cartwright recently addressed the “elephant in the room” by revealing that the motivation behind her split was the happiness of her three-year-old son, Cruz, whom she shares with Taylor, per Daily Mail.

Recently, she discussed her divorce in an episode of the podcast 'When Reality Hits,' which she co-hosts with her estranged husband.

At the beginning of the episode, Cartwright informed her fans about her divorce, noting that she couldn't share many details as they would be documented in their reality show.

“I, unfortunately, can’t speak on details because everything has been heavily documented on the show since we happen to be filming right now,” she said, before promising to her fans, “You will see how everything plays out once the show airs.”

Nevertheless, she revealed what led her to leave her “toxic relationship.”

Cartwright continued, “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 because I know that this is the life I chose and I’m so fortunate in many ways. But I will always want to be real with y’all,” she added.

The ‘Vanderpump Rules’ star clarified, “Many have said online they think this has been a publicity stunt for the show, or to garner ratings and it’s the furthest thing from that.”

She shared that her decision to file was not made on a whim. Instead, it took her many years to recognize her worth and leave her unfulfilling relationship.

The Bravo alum said, “My decision to file wasn’t made lightly or quickly. It’s taken me many, many years to get to this point, where I’ve gained enough courage and strength to do what was best for me, get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth.”

However, she revealed that her primary motivation behind the decision was the happiness of her son, Cruz.

“It’s been very difficult, but I’m stronger than ever, and my motivation is my son, my Cruzie, who deserves a happy and healthy mommy,” shared the star. 

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor's relationship timeline

Brittany Cartwright and Jax Taylor started dating in 2015 and got engaged in 2018. They married in June 2019, with their wedding shown on 'Vanderpump Rules,' and welcomed their son, Cruz, in 2021.

However, nearly five years into their marriage, trouble began brewing, and Cartwright announced their separation in February 2024.

She announced the split on their joint podcast ‘When Reality Hits’, informing her fans, “Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.”

At that time, however, she hinted that the separation might be temporary and asked her fans to pray for them.

Nevertheless, in an April episode of the podcast, she revealed that a “sexless marriage” with Jax was the “breaking point” of their relationship. She concluded by saying, “I don’t want to be unhappy for the rest of my life.”