Jax Taylor's former Vanderpump Rules costars are applauding his recovery journey.
One day after The Valley star admitted to a decades-long problem with cocaine for the first time, longtime pals Tom Sandoval and Lala Kent spoke out about Jax's decision to go public with his substance abuse problems.
“I think that that’s amazing,” Tom reacted during a Watch What Happens Live appearance March 5. “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.”
When host Andy Cohen asked the TomTom co-owner if he was “aware” of Jax's drug habits, he confirmed, “Yes, I was somewhat aware of his problems with addiction," adding, “I’ve been around him over the years, obviously."
The 42-year-old also said “the cast was aware" of Jax's cocaine use over the last 10+ years, but didn't name any other former SUR-vers specifically.
Meanwhile, Lala—who has been sober since 2018—shared her own thoughts on Jax's decision to seek help by checking into rehab for his addiction issues.
"It’s a very, very delicate subject,” the 34-year-old told fans during a March 4 Amazon Livestream. “I myself have been in a program for six years, four months and some change. Sobriety for someone, it’s not one size fits all. Everyone has a different level of addiction, but addiction is addiction.”
“I want to say that I am very proud of him, whether I dig him or not," Lala—who is mom to daughters Ocean, 3 and Sosa, 6 months—continued, "take all of my personal views of him out of it, let's just stick to this topic."
Paul Archuleta/Getty Images/Gizelle Hernandez/Bravo
The Give Them Lala podcast host also noted how hard it must have been for Jax—who shares 3-year-old son Cruz with estranged wife Brittany Cartwright—to share his struggles with the world.
“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," she shared. "The details of why he ended up where he ended up, just like with all of us."
“I wish him nothing but the best in his sobriety,” Lala concluded. “Your heart feels broken but there’s so much hope in sobriety, so that’s what I’m feeling for him, very, very hopeful and excited to see what his future holds if he chooses down that path.”
As for what Jax's family thinks about his road to recovery, Brittany spoke out March 4 just hours after her ex's revelation.
"For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he's instilled on our family over the years," Brittany—who filed for divorce in August after five years of marriage—said in a statement. "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."
The 36-year-old added, "I'm trying to navigate this as best as I can for my son and I, but 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. My only hope is that one day, he will be a better person for his son.”
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