Brittany Cartwright was photographed chain-smoking in San Diego just before news broke that her estranged husband, Jax Taylor, is seeking over $17,000 per month in spousal support. Cartwright, 37, was on a break from filming the upcoming season of Bravo's 'The Valley' when she was seen smoking next to an overflowing trash can.
The reality star was with co-stars Lala Kent and Michelle Saniei, visiting a cemetery for Saniei's mother, who died in 2024. The outing occurred as Taylor's attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, filed court documents requesting $17,401 monthly in spousal support from Cartwright. Kaplan also reportedly requested $250,000 for legal fees and an additional $10,000 for a forensic accountant.
Taylor's legal team claims a significant disparity in income and access to funds, stating that Cartwright's actions have sabotaged his career opportunities and employability. The court documents assert that Cartwright "launched a campaign" to damage Taylor's public image and earning potential. Kaplan noted that Taylor, who is over 700 days sober, could return to "gainful employment" if not for these alleged actions.
This development follows an increasingly acrimonious divorce. In August, Cartwright was granted a temporary restraining order against Taylor. She had alleged years of abuse, including death threats, leading a judge to order Taylor to maintain a distance of 100 yards from her.
Taylor had also sought sole custody of their five-year-old son, Cruz, who is autistic, but a judge reportedly denied this request pending a court hearing. Taylor has previously expressed shame over past actions, stating he has sought treatment and is committed to sobriety and therapy. He has disputed some allegations, stating the "full story, context and evidence will be addressed where it belongs - in court."
Earlier in July, it was revealed that Taylor had begun dating Lori Krebs, who was described as Cartwright's "good friend" and former publicist. Cartwright reportedly called the relationship a "complete betrayal."