An emotional Brittany Cartwright took to her podcast, “When Reality Hits,” Friday to discuss for the first time her decision to file for divorce from Jax Taylor, which she said was not made “lightly or quickly.”
“It’s taken me many, many years to get to this point where I gained enough courage and strength to do what’s best for me, get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth,” the “Vanderpump Rules” alum explained in the episode.
Cartwright, 35, who appeared to be holding back tears as she spoke, admitted that her split from Taylor, 45, had been “very difficult” but she considered herself “stronger than ever” because of her choice.
“My motivation is my son, my Cruzie, who deserves a happy and healthy mommy,” the mother of one said referencing her 3-year-old son, Cruz, whom she shares with her estranged husband.
Cartwright told her fans that she could not go into too much detail on the latest developments in her marriage since it was all being “heavily documented” for their current Bravo series, “The Valley.”
On Saturday, images and video of the reality stars filming at a group sporting event for Season 2 showed how the exes are navigating being on the same show, while keeping their distance from one another.
A source told TMZ who obtained the photos and behind-the-scenes footage that Cartwright appeared carefree and in an upbeat mood, while Taylor seemed to be more in a “funk.”
Cartwright reassured her listeners on her podcast Friday, “You will see how everything plays out once the show airs, 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,” the “Vanderpump Rules: Jax and Brittany Take Kentucky” alum admitted.
“I’m not saying this for anyone to feel badly, but I know that this is the life I chose and I’m so fortunate in many ways. I always want to be real with y’all.”
Cartwright — who aside from being on the same TV show as Taylor also opened up a sports bar, Jax’s Studio City, with him — shared they will be “doing the podcast separately” from here on out.
She concluded, “Thank you all so much for the support. I love you very much. … Hang in there with me.”
Cartwright filed for divorce from Taylor on Tuesday after five years of marriage, citing “irreconcilable differences.” She is seeking full custody of Cruz, but is allowing her ex visitation rights.
A source exclusively told Page Six Wednesday that the decision to call it quits was “sad” for the former couple, but it had become “evident that they were not a good match.”
The insider also added at the time that Taylor, for his part, was “100 percent on board” with his estranged wife’s decision to file for the dissolution of their marriage.
“He’s been checked out from the marriage for a long time now,” the source told us. “He just wants to have an amicable co-parent relationship.”
Cartwright first confirmed that she and Taylor were separating back in February, saying on her podcast they were “taking time apart” as she had moved “into another home” for the sake of her mental health.
The Bravo star had been open about the many “toxic” fights they had leading up to their split.
In July, Taylor admitted himself into a treatment center to work on his anger and mental health issues.
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Since departing the facility earlier this month, we’ve been told Cartwright has not gone to visit him.
The newly single star, instead, has been seen out on the town with her friends, and even sparked romance rumors with “Bachelorette” alum Tanner Courtad.
Taylor, for his part, was also seen going out Tuesday night with “Valley” co-star Jesse Lalley in West Hollywood, Calif. He was linked to model Paige Woolen earlier this year.
