Scheana Shay Says FormerVPRCostar Jax Taylor Opening Up About Cocaine Addiction 'Was a Long Time Coming' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

‘Vanderpump Rules’ alums Scheana Shay and Jax Taylor at he 2014 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfronts in New York City on May 15, 2014.Photo:Jim Spellman/WireImage

Jim Spellman/WireImage

On the March 4 episode ofBravo’s Hot Mic Podcast, Taylor, 45, referred to himself as an addict who has“substance issues — primarily with cocaine.”“I think that was a long time coming,” Shay says of Taylor’s admission. “Jax has put her and her son through a lot, and I’m glad that he is finally taking care of himself and sober. I just hope that he continues on this path, not only for him himself, but for Brittany and for their son.”

Bravo stars Brittany Cartwright (left) and Scheana Shay at the debut of Fantasy Lab Las Vegas’s Midnight Dreams immersive experience at the Fashion Show Mall on June 9, 2023 in Las Vegas.Gabe Ginsberg/Getty

Gabe Ginsberg/Getty

FormerVPRstarTom Sandovalalso admitted onWatch What Happens Live with Andy Cohenon March 5 that he“was somewhat aware”of Taylor’s addiction after having “been around him over the years.” He also confirmed that the cast knew about Taylor’s addiction, too.“I’m so proud of him,” Sandoval, 42, toldCohen, 56, of Taylor seeking help. “I think that’s so awesome. He really seems like he’s really been working on himself, for real.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Cartwright said she’s “glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on” with Taylor.“For the first time, Ican speak openlyabout the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” Cartwright continued. “I’ve tried desperately to help him without success. 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 Valley’ star Brittany Cartwright and her son Cruz.Brittany Cartwright/Instagram

Brittany Cartwright/Instagram

At the time of his podcast appearance, Taylor said he was 83 days sober and that he’d also been abstaining from alcohol consumption. “I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem but the two go hand in hand,” he explained. “I can’t do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both.”

Cartwright and Taylor announcedtheir separationin February 2024 ahead of the premiere of the first season ofThe Valley. In August, Cartwrightfiled for divorce, citing  “irreconcilable differences.”  The split will play out in season 2 ofThe Valleywhen it premieres later this year.

Shay teased that she may pop up inThe Valleyseason 2, too, after filming with the cast last summer and following Bravo’s decision torebootVanderpump Rules.“You never know what you’re going to see,” she tells PEOPLE. “You know what you film and then you never know what’s going to air, so it’ll be a surprise to me. But I did hang out with my friends in The Valley a lot this past summer, so I’m excited to see what comes of that.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.

source: people.com