Tom Sandoval SaysVanderpump RulesCast 'Was Aware' Of Jax Taylor's Drug Addiction: ‘He’s Working on Himself’

Mar. 15, 2025

Tom Sandoval and Jax Taylor.Photo:Nicole Weingart/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Nicole Weingart/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Tom Sandovalsays news ofJax Taylor’s drug addiction came as no surprise to theVanderpump Rulescast.

In a clip shared to theWWHLInstagramaccount, Andy, 56, asked Tom about his reaction to Jax’s recent confession that he was “83 days sober” from cocaine.

“I think that that’s amazing,” Tom replied. “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.”

When asked if he was “aware” of what Jax had been going through, the reality star admitted, “Yes, I was somewhat aware of his problems with addiction.”

“I’ve been around him over the years, obviously,” the former SUR bartender said. Both Jax and Tom were original cast members onVanderpump Ruleswhen it premiered back in 2013.

Andy then asked Tom if “the cast was aware,” to which he answered, “Yeah.”

Tom Sandoval and Jax Taylor.Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Chelsea Lauren/Variety/Penske Media via Getty

Jax’s confession came the day before during an emotional Tuesday, March 4, appearance onBravo’sHot MicPodcast.

“I am an addict,”The Valleystar said.

“I have substance issues — primarily with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud. I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23 and now I’m 45,” Jax continued. “There was times where I would stop doing it but then there were times where I’d go heavy on it.”

He also admitted that sharing those details was something “I’ve never said this in my life,” adding that it felt like “a huge weight lifted off my shoulders.”

Jax Taylor, May 2024.Michael Simon/Shutterstock

Michael Simon/Shutterstock

Taylor sharing his story also seemed to have been a weight lifted for those closest to him.

In anexclusive statement to PEOPLETuesday, Jax’s estranged wife and formerVanderpump RulescostarBrittany Cartwrightsaid, “I’m glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on.”

The former couple are parents to a 3-year-old son named Cruz Cauchi.

“For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” the 36-year-old told PEOPLE on Tuesday. “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.”

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Brittany filed for divorcefrom Jax in August 2024.

In a separate statement shared to her Instagram Stories, Brittany discussed the “damage” Jax’s addiction had on their child.

“His addiction unfortunately has doneirreparable damageto my son and I. I’ve spent years trying to help him,” she wrote. “I wish more than anyone I could say how proud I am of him today but I’d be lying. His actions will speak for themselves.”

On an Amazon Live, former costarLala Kentsaid, “That is not easy to admit. This is going to be his journey and his journey only, and he should be the only one to speak on it because none of us know what he’s been through in his life.”

“[Sobriety] is not one size fits all,” Kent added, viaTMZ. Everyone has a different level of addiction, but addiction is addiction."

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

source: people.com