The Man Who Wasn't Jax: 5 Shocking Facts About Brandon Hanson, Brittany Cartwright's Ex-Boyfriend

The question "Who is Brandon Hanson?" dominated the Bravo universe in mid-2025, but the answer turned out to be as fleeting as the romance itself. As of late December 2025, Brandon Hanson is officially known as Brittany Cartwright’s ex-boyfriend, following a brief, high-profile dating period that began amid her separation from husband and The Valley co-star, Jax Taylor. The relationship, which lasted only about two months, was a significant talking point for fans eager to see the former Vanderpump Rules star move on, but it ultimately proved too difficult to maintain against the backdrop of reality television fame and a demanding lifestyle.

Hanson’s connection to Cartwright was the first major public relationship for her since her split from Taylor, instantly thrusting the formerly private individual into the intense spotlight of reality TV gossip. He was quickly identified as a friend from her "Kentucky days," providing a familiar, pre-fame link for the reality star.

Brandon Hanson: A Quick Profile of Brittany Cartwright's Ex

Brandon Hanson remains a largely private figure, with most public details about him coming directly from his brief association with reality television star Brittany Cartwright. Unlike her previous partners, Hanson does not have a public career in entertainment, which contributed to the mystery surrounding him.

• 5 Shocking Facts About Anna Congdon Penn State Sweetheart To Nfl Fiances Social Media Firestorm Cc90e

• Full Name: Brandon Hanson
• Known For: Ex-boyfriend of reality star Brittany Cartwright.
• Relationship Timeline: Publicly dated for approximately two months in mid-2025.
• Connection to Brittany: Reportedly a friend from her pre-fame days in Kentucky.
• Relationship Status at Time of Dating: Reportedly in the middle of his own divorce proceedings.
• Residency (at time of dating): Lived approximately three hours away from Cartwright's Los Angeles home.
• Split Date: Confirmed on October 10, 2025.

The Short-Lived Romance: From PDA to Podcast Confirmation

The relationship between Brittany Cartwright and Brandon Hanson first came to light through a flurry of social media activity and paparazzi photos in mid-2025. After announcing her separation from Jax Taylor, fans were eager to track Cartwright’s dating life, and images of her on a PDA-filled vacation with Hanson quickly went viral.

How Brandon Hanson Was Revealed to the World

The initial confirmation of the romance came from an unexpected source: former Vanderpump Rules castmate Kristen Doute, who is also a co-star on The Valley. Doute posted photos of the new couple, effectively confirming the speculation and bringing Brandon Hanson into the public eye overnight. This immediate exposure was a stark contrast to Hanson’s reportedly private life, setting the stage for the intense scrutiny that followed.

The timing of the relationship was a major talking point. Cartwright was still legally separated from Jax Taylor, and the public nature of her new romance naturally drew comparisons to her tumultuous marriage. Sources close to the couple at the time suggested that Cartwright and Hanson bonded over their shared experiences, particularly the fact that Hanson was also navigating a divorce.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

The Drama Surrounding His Divorce

The romance was not without its complications. Shortly after the news broke, Brandon Hanson was publicly called out by his estranged wife for dating the reality star while they were still legally married. This created a layer of drama that is all too familiar in the Bravo ecosystem, but it also underscored the challenging circumstances under which the relationship began. The public nature of the backlash likely added significant pressure to their budding romance.

The Real Reason Behind the October 2025 Split

The short-lived relationship came to an end in October 2025, with Brittany Cartwright confirming the split on her podcast, "When Reality Hits." The news was a surprise to many fans who had been rooting for her to find happiness outside of her relationship with Jax Taylor.

Long Distance and Career Conflicts

The primary reason for the breakup, as revealed by Cartwright herself, was a combination of long distance and the demands of their respective careers. Hanson lived approximately three hours away from Cartwright's home in the Los Angeles area, making it difficult to maintain a consistent, healthy relationship.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

"It was kind of like long distance," Cartwright explained on her podcast. "We lived three hours away, so it was too tough to keep it going." Both individuals had jobs and established lives in different cities, and the logistical challenges proved insurmountable for a new relationship that was also under intense media scrutiny. The difficulty of balancing a private life with the demands of a public figure's schedule ultimately led to their amicable separation.

The Importance of the Split's Timing

The breakup provided closure on a brief but highly publicized chapter in Brittany’s life. It reinforced her current focus on her son, Cruz, and her ongoing journey of co-parenting and navigating her divorce from Jax Taylor. The split was reportedly mutual and drama-free, which is a significant departure from the typical messy breakups often seen on Vanderpump Rules or The Valley.

For Brandon Hanson, the split means a return to his private life, away from the constant barrage of reality television news. For Brittany, it means stepping back into the single life, though she has consistently maintained that her primary focus remains on her family and her career, including her work on The Valley and her podcast ventures.

Brandon Hanson’s Legacy in the Bravo Universe

While Brandon Hanson's time in the spotlight was brief, his role was pivotal in the ongoing narrative of Brittany Cartwright's life post-Jax Taylor. His sudden emergence and equally swift exit provided a clear indicator of where Brittany stood in her personal journey. He represented a fresh start and a connection to her roots, away from the Hollywood drama that defined her early reality TV career.

The relationship, though short, was a necessary step for Cartwright in moving forward. It demonstrated her willingness to explore new connections and re-enter the dating world. Ultimately, the story of Brandon Hanson is less about his personal biography and more about his function as a transitional figure—the man who briefly captured the attention of the Bravo world and helped Brittany Cartwright navigate the early stages of her high-profile separation. His privacy, the long-distance factor, and the amicable split all contribute to a narrative that is remarkably mature for a reality star, signaling a new, more grounded phase for the Kentucky native.

Entities and Topical Authority Keywords: Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright, Brandon Hanson, The Valley, Vanderpump Rules, Kristen Doute, When Reality Hits podcast, divorce, separation, long distance, dating life, reality TV, Kentucky days, Los Angeles, Cruz Cauchi.