Tom Sandoval says news of Jax Taylor’s drug addiction came as no surprise to the Vanderpump Rules cast.
The Traitors star, 42, stopped by Andy Cohen’s Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday, March 5, where he opened up about a recent confession from his former Bravo costar, 45, that was already known within their circle of friends.
In a clip shared to the WWHL Instagram account, 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 on Vanderpump Rules when it premiered back in 2013.
Andy then asked Tom if “the cast was aware,” to which he answered, “Yeah.”
Jax’s confession came the day before during an emotional Tuesday, March 4, appearance on Bravo’s Hot Mic Podcast.
“I am an addict,” The Valley star 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.”
Taylor sharing his story also seemed to have been a weight lifted for those closest to him.
In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE Tuesday, Jax’s estranged wife and former Vanderpump Rules costar Brittany Cartwright said, “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 divorce from 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 done irreparable damage to 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 costar Lala Kent said, “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, via TMZ. 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.
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