I'm Convinced The Valley's Jax Taylor & Brittany Cartwright's Split Isn't Real

The Valley, the Vanderpump Rules spin-off that follows several former controversial cast members in their next phase of life, has brought Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright back into the spotlight and I believe their separation is for publicity’s sake. Jax, one of the original cast members on Vanderpump Rules, had been part of the pop culture lexicon for over a decade. A faux-reformed bad boy, Jax made waves on the Bravo series for his on-again off-again relationship with Stassi Schroeder, where he showed off his at times psychologically baffling behavior. Jax is a self-proclaimed pathological liar who can’t be trusted.

Brittany, who moved away from her native Kentucky with Jax just weeks after they met, has always been shown as the strong, sweet, forgiving type. While she infamously wouldn’t stand for Jax cheating on her during her time on Vanderpump Rules, she found it in her heart to forgive the misunderstood villain. Jax, who has shared he’s working on himself or turning over a new lead more times than viewers can keep track of, seemed to have changed for Brittany. While I believe the couple has problems, I think their separation is for publicity, though I hope to be wrong.

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Jax & Brittany Were Fired From Vanderpump Rules

They Were Called Out For Troubling Behavior

After meeting between seasons of Vanderpump Rules and moving in together, Jax and Brittany’s relationship moved quickly. Viewers were skeptical after meeting Brittany on the series and getting to know her personality, with the majority realizing she’s very different from the diabolical Jax. There was a general sense of concern that Jax would be able to emotionally manipulate Brittany, the way he’d done to every other woman he’d been with. While Brittany and Jax’s relationship changed him for some time, it was clear that Jax struggled in a monogamous setting, creating friction in their relationship from their earliest moments together.

Facing their own set of trials and tribulations throughout their relationship, Jax and Brittany worked to present a united front publicly as often as possible. While Brittany did separate from Jax for a time after he admitted he’d been cheating on her, the pair were able to work through their issues and moved forward. They seemed to be one of the more stable relationships on Vanderpump Rules. After marrying during Vanderpump Rules season 8, the couple’s past came back for them. They were fired from Vanderpump Rules after falsely accusing former co-star Faith Stowers of a crime she didn’t commit.

The Couple Have Been Trying To Stay Relevant For Years

Life After Vanderpump Rules Has Been Difficult

After being fired from Vanderpump Rules, Jax and Brittany took some time away to try and figure out their next move. Both wanted to remain in entertainment but took time away to welcome their son Cruz and settle into their new routine without Vanderpump Rules. After nearly a year of only posting online to share what was going on in their lives with followers, Jax and Brittany decided to start a podcast to let those interested into their lives after reality TV. While there were viewers who were excited about the development, it felt like a way to stay relevant.

While Jax and Brittany have been hosting their podcast since March 2022, the pair’s involvement has shifted since the announcement of their split. Earlier in 2024, after the pair shared that they would be splitting up, listeners were concerned about whether or not they’d continue with the podcast. The pair have hosted episodes together talking about what their lives look like post-separation, and separately doing the same as well as with industry guests. In keeping up with their podcast now, Jax and Brittany appear to stay grasping at relevancy together, even when they’ve publicly shared that they’re taking time apart.

Jax Acts Like A Relationship Expert But Claims His Marriage Is In Jeopardy

He Believes He Knows Best

Throughout his time on Vanderpump Rules and during his newest stint on The Valley, Jax has always believed he knows best when it comes to love, dating, and relationships in general. Though he rarely practices what he preaches, Jax has always been the first person in line to tell someone else how to live their lives and what to do with their relationships. Despite knowing that he isn’t the most successful in his own interpersonal relationships, Jax doles out advice whether it’s asked for or not, regardless of whether he has personal experience in whatever the situation at hand is.

After announcing that he and Brittany were separating, viewers were subjected to see Jax on The Valley season 1, speaking openly about Kristen Doute’s relationship with Luke Broderick critically and constantly. Jax’s opinions on Kristen’s relationship, especially since she was speaking about having a child with Luke soon, feel entirely unfounded. Jax consistently steps over the line, putting himself in other’s business regardless of whether he’s been invited. I believe Jax criticizes others because he struggles to deal with his own issues, but also so that he can bring the attention back onto himself, and in this case, his divorce.

Drama Has Always Played Better For Jax & Brittany Than Happiness

Their Relationship Has Issues, But They’re Playing Them Up

Jax and Brittany’s relationship has always been riddled with issues, and as their shaky marriage has progressed, it’s felt clear that neither of them is interested in moving on from the relationship. Rather than trying to get help or changing the way they interact with one another, Jax and Brittany have stayed in their marriage and allowed it to crumble, knowing that neither of them is actually going to leave. I believe that they play up their drama both on screen and off because they get more attention for drama than they do for being happily married to one another.

With their split making headlines during the rollout of The Valley season 1, the couple has been able to generate enough news to get viewers watching the show and talking about it online. By harnessing the power of their split, Jax and Brittany can also use their social media following, their podcast listeners, and the pull they have with the public to keep the attention on them. It feels possible that their separation, which has come at the heels of The Valley season 2’s announcement, could be the work of The Valley stars hoping to keep themselves in the news.