5 Shocking Revelations About Jax And Brittany's Divorce: Custody Battles, Restraining Orders, And The Valley's Dark Turn

The tumultuous saga of Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright has reached a breaking point, dominating headlines in late 2025. After years of on-screen drama, a fairytale wedding, and the birth of their son, the reality television couple is now locked in a bitter, high-stakes divorce that is far messier than any plotline from their time on Vanderpump Rules or their current show, The Valley. The latest updates, including bombshells dropped at BravoCon 2025 and in the recent trailer for their reality series, confirm a permanent split, with the focus shifting to legal battles, allegations of relapse, and the custody of their young son.

The separation, which was announced earlier this year after four years of marriage, has quickly escalated from an amicable split to a full-blown legal and public war. As of this December 2025 update, Brittany Cartwright is actively pursuing the finalization of their divorce, while new revelations about their life behind closed doors—including accusations of gaslighting and the potential for a restraining order—are coming to light, painting a dark picture of the end of their relationship.

Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright: A Comprehensive Biography

The former *Vanderpump Rules* stars, now the centerpiece of Bravo's *The Valley*, have built their careers on publicizing the highs and lows of their chaotic relationship. Their biographical details reveal two distinct personalities whose lives converged in the reality television world.

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• Jax Taylor (Jason Michael Cauchi)
  • Full Name: Jason Michael Cauchi
  • Born: July 11, 1979 (Age 46 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Shelby Township, Michigan
  • Early Career: Worked as a model and actor, notably appearing in campaigns for brands like Abercrombie & Fitch.
  • Reality TV Debut: Original cast member of *Vanderpump Rules* (2013–2020).
  • Current Net Worth (Est.): $4 million
  • Current Show: *The Valley* (2024–Present)
• Brittany Cartwright
  • Full Name: Brittany Cartwright
  • Born: January 25, 1989 (Age 36 in 2025)
  • Birthplace: Clark County, Kentucky
  • Early Career: Worked as an actress and model before moving to Los Angeles.
  • Reality TV Debut: Joined *Vanderpump Rules* in Season 4 (2015).
  • Current Net Worth (Est.): $1 million
  • Current Show: *The Valley* (2024–Present)
• The Couple's Son
  • Name: Cruz Michael Cauchi
  • Born: April 12, 2021
  • Health Update: Cruz was diagnosed with autism, a fact the couple has shared publicly.

The Valley's Dark Turn: Five Shocking Revelations from the Divorce Battle

While the couple initially announced their separation on their podcast, *When Reality Hits*, the true intensity of the split is only now being revealed through legal filings and the dramatic promotional content for the second season of *The Valley*.

1. Brittany Filed First, Citing Irreconcilable Differences

The official legal proceedings began when Brittany Cartwright filed for divorce in Los Angeles County Superior Court. Her filing cited the standard "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the split, confirming the end of their four-year marriage. This move came after a period of separation that began publicly earlier in the year. Although Jax Taylor later claimed he was the one who initiated the divorce on his podcast, the public record shows Brittany was the one to take the legal step to dissolve the marriage.

The dissolution of the marriage, which began with their lavish 2019 wedding at a castle in Kentucky, signifies a definitive end to the relationship that captivated Bravo viewers for years. Brittany has expressed a strong desire to finalize the divorce swiftly, stating at BravoCon 2025 that she is "praying" it will be over in the upcoming weeks.

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2. The Season 2 Trailer Reveals Custody and Restraining Order Drama

The most shocking updates have come directly from the trailer for the upcoming season of *The Valley*. The promotional footage suggests the show will heavily document the separation's brutal aftermath, moving beyond typical reality TV drama into serious legal territory. In a particularly intense clip, Brittany reveals her intention to pursue a restraining order against Jax Taylor. Furthermore, the trailer highlights a contentious battle over their son, Cruz Michael Cauchi, with Brittany explicitly stating she wants "full custody." The discussions about restraining orders and sole custody indicate a breakdown of trust and an alleged pattern of behavior that Brittany deems unsafe or destructive, pushing the narrative far beyond a simple marital disagreement.

3. Allegations of Jax’s Relapse and Substance Abuse Issues

A central, and deeply concerning, plot point in the new season of *The Valley* revolves around allegations of Jax Taylor's relapse. Brittany is seen confronting him on camera, accusing him of drinking just days after completing rehab. This suggests that substance abuse issues may have been a major contributing factor to the marital breakdown, a serious topic that is now being documented for public consumption. The reality star has been open about his struggles in the past, making this alleged relapse a critical and upsetting development for fans and, most importantly, for his family.

4. Brittany Accuses Jax of Gaslighting and Emotional Abuse

In the emotional confrontations shown in the Season 2 trailers, Brittany directly accuses Jax of "gaslighting" her. Gaslighting, a form of psychological manipulation, involves making the victim question their own memory, sanity, or perception of reality. This accusation, coupled with fan speculation about alleged abuse shown on the show, suggests a toxic and emotionally damaging environment in the final stages of their marriage. The public airing of these serious claims of emotional manipulation and abuse marks a significant shift from the couple's previous on-screen arguments about infidelity or minor relationship issues.

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5. Jax Takes Blame for Diminished Intimacy and Marital Issues

Despite the public accusations and legal battles, Jax Taylor has taken responsibility for certain aspects of the separation. In a podcast appearance, he admitted to taking the blame for the diminishing sex life and intimacy in his marriage with Brittany. While this does not address the more serious allegations of abuse and relapse, it does offer a self-admitted fault for the erosion of their personal connection. The current relationship status, as described by Brittany in November 2025, is simply "It's going," indicating a strained and difficult co-parenting dynamic as they navigate the divorce process.

The Future for the Vanderpump Rules Alums

As the divorce proceedings continue, the future for both Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright remains uncertain. Brittany is focused on co-parenting Cruz Michael Cauchi and finalizing the legal separation, while Jax has faced public criticism suggesting it may be time for him to step away from reality television altogether. The intense spotlight of *The Valley* Season 2 will either provide the closure they seek or escalate their conflict further. Regardless, the messy and shocking end to their relationship has cemented their place as one of the most dramatic and controversial couples in reality TV history, leaving fans and co-stars alike to watch the final, painful chapters unfold.