Tom Sandoval claims he and his other “Vanderpump Rules” co-stars were “aware” of Jax Taylor’s substance abuse issues long before his public announcement..
“Yes, I was somewhat aware of his problems with addiction,” the reality TV star said during Wednesday’s episode of “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.”
“I mean, I’m around him. I’ve been around him over the years, obviously.”
When host Andy Cohen followed up by asking if the rest of the “cast was aware” of Taylor’s addiction to cocaine, Sandoval replied, “Yes.”
He also took the opportunity to applaud his on-again, off-again best friend for publicly sharing the news and his commitment to staying sober.
“I think that’s amazing,” Sandoval, 42, said of his pal’s confession and sobriety journey. “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 this time.”
Taylor made headlines on Tuesday when he announced that he was 83 days sober from cocaine and alcohol.
“This is tough to say. … I’m an addict,” he admitted on Tuesday’s episode of the Bravo podcast, “Hot Mic.” “I have substance issues, primarily with cocaine. Oh, that’s hard to say out loud. I’ve been dealing with this for I think the last — on and off, since I was 23. I’m 45.”
The “Valley” star explained that throughout the 20-year period, there were times when he “would stop doing it” and other times when he would “go heavy on it.”
“I think a lot of people who watched ‘Vanderpump Rules’ over the years could kinda tell that I was on something,” he shared.
However, he clarified that he does “not necessarily” think he has an equal addiction to alcohol, but “the two go hand in hand.”
“I can’t do cocaine without drinking, so I just gave up both, and I’m proud to say I’m 82, 83 days sober right now,” he said.
Taylor sought treatment for his addictions after going through the “hardest” year of his life when his then-wife, Brittany Cartwright, announced their separation and later filed for divorce.
“When Brittany and I separated is when the addiction got worse,” he admitted, later noting that he hit “rock bottom” after he went off on Cartwright when their three-year-old son, Cruz Cauchi, was present.
Taylor checked into rehab twice and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder –– as well as being a narcissist.
Meanwhile, Cartwright also spoke out about her estranged husband’s revelation and wrote that she’s “spent years trying to help him.”
“I wish more than anyone I could say how proud I am of him today but I’d be lying,” she wrote via her Instagram Story Tuesday. “His actions will speak for themselves.”
Cartwright defended her decision to get married and have a child with him, because she could “not help” that she “fell in love” with him.
“I’ve done absolutely everything in my power to get him the help he desperately needed,” she explained. “Unfortunately, I was naive and believed his empty promises and his pleads [sic] to change for years.”
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