Full Breakdown
Temporary Restraining Order Issued in Jax Taylor–Brittany Cartwright Divorce
8/29/2026, 12:05:37 AM
Background of the Marriage and Divorce
Jax Taylor and Brittany Cartwright met while filming *Vanderpump Rules* and married in 2019. The couple announced their separation in 2024 and filed for divorce after five years of marriage. Their son, Cruz, age 5, is autistic and remains under joint legal custody. Throughout 2024 the pair appeared on the Bravo spin-off *The Valley* and, according to court filings, experienced a deteriorating relationship that culminated in legal action.
Allegations Presented in the Court Filing
Specific accusations include:
- A threat to “gut [her] like a fish” and a physical attack that left Cartwright with a bruised knee.
- Throwing furniture during an altercation in July 2024, causing injury.
- Destruction of three iPhones, one iPad, and other property.
- Unauthorized access to Cartwright’s iPhone, messages, and Instagram account.
- Removal of a $70,000 wedding ring and refusal to return it.
- Repeated name-calling, including “fat ass bitch” and “whore,” in front of their son.
Cartwright’s filing also claimed that Taylor used child- and spousal-support discussions to intimidate her and threatened to publicize false accusations. The declaration cites a July 15 message in which Taylor allegedly warned Cartwright about “alcoholism” and “animal droppings” left for Cruz.
Court Order Details
A judge granted the temporary restraining order on August 27, ordering Taylor to remain at least 100 yards from Cartwright, her residence, her vehicle, and Cruz’s school. The court denied Cartwright’s request for sole custody of Cruz pending a future hearing. Visitation rights for Taylor were suspended until that hearing.
Official Statements from Both Parties
Taylor released a written statement on August 28, acknowledging past mistakes, expressing remorse, and emphasizing his sobriety and ongoing treatment. He characterized the allegations as “strongly disputed” and indicated that the full context would be addressed in court.
Conflicting Reports on Sobriety Duration
A separate report from TMZ describes him as “21 months sober.” Both figures appear in source material; the discrepancy is reported without resolution.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I made a lot of mistakes and behaved in ways during that period of my life that I’m truly ashamed of and regret and take full responsibility for,” — Jax Taylor, judge
- “He now uses our required communications concerning Cruz to harass and threaten me, he makes threats of public humiliation on social media, and he continuously confronts me during custody-related interactions as additional means of intimidating, harassing, and disturbing my peace,” — Brittany Cartwright, judge
- “During the past decade, [Taylor] has exhibited a pattern of coercive control, financial abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, gaslighting and even physical violence perpetrated upon me,” — Brittany Cartwright, judge
- “It’s just complete, complete betrayal ,” — Brittany Cartwright, judge
- “We’re working on getting the house appraised,” — Brittany Cartwright, judge
What’s Next
The restraining order remains temporary until a court hearing later this year. The judge will consider Cartwright’s request for sole custody and any further evidence presented by both parties. Both Taylor and Cartwright have indicated they will continue to address the dispute through the legal process.
