The Vanderpump Rules cast always knew it was about the pasta for Jax Taylor.
During the latest episode of Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday night, Tom Sandoval revealed to host Andy Cohen that he and his former co-stars from Vanderpump Rules were well aware of Taylor’s prolonged struggle with cocaine addiction. This was the first time Taylor openly discussed this issue earlier in the week.
“I was somewhat aware of his problems with his addiction,” Sandoval said of Taylor. “I mean, Iâve been around him over the years.”
When Cohen asked if the other Vanderpump Rules stars knew as well, Sandoval responded, “Yeah.”
But with Taylor revealing that he’s more than 80 days sober from drugs and alcohol, Sandoval couldn’t be prouder of his longtime friend.
Sandoval expressed his admiration, stating, “I mean, I think that’s amazing. I’m so proud of him. I think that’s so awesome. He really seems like he’s really been working on himself for real. For real this time.”
Taylor disclosed to producer Alex Baskin on a recent installment of Bravo’s Hot Mic podcast that he had been battling “substance issues, primarily with cocaine.” He admitted, “It’s hard to say out loud. I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23 and now I’m 45. There were times when I would stop, but there were also periods when I’d heavily indulge.”
Sandoval might’ve praised Taylor for turning a corner in his life, but The Valley star’s estranged wife Brittany Cartwright was less convinced that he’d actually become a changed man.
“His addiction unfortunately has done irreparable damage to my son and I. I’ve spent years trying to help him,” Cartwright wrote on her Instagram Story, per People. “I wish more than anyone I could say how proud I am of him today but I’d be lying. His actions will speak for themselves.”
“You can’t help who you fell in love with. I’ve done absolutely everything in my power to get him the help he desperately needed. Unfortunately, I was naive and believed his empty promises and his pleads to change for years,” she continued.
Cartwright added, “Once you have a child with someone it’s not easy to leave. It took everything in my power to gather the strength to walk away. For those that have been through similar, you get it. For those that question me…that’s okay. I’m in a much better place now.”
Watch What Happens Live airs Sunday through Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo. New episodes are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
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