Scheana Shay has Brittany Cartwright’s back.
Following her former Vanderpump Rules’ castmate Jax Taylor revealing his cocaine addiction, Shay, 39, says she wants the best for Taylor’s estranged wife, 36, and their son Cruz, 3.
“Brittany and Cruz have always been my priority in this situation,” Shay, who competed as Bat on The Masked Singer season 13, tells PEOPLE. “I know everything, and I just want her to have a peaceful life. I want Cruz to grow up with two parents who put him as their priority.”
On the March 4 episode of Bravo’s Hot Mic Podcast, Taylor, 45, referred to himself as an addict who has “substance issues — primarily with cocaine.”
“I think that was a long time coming,” Shay says of Taylor’s admission. “Jax has put her and her son through a lot, and I’m glad that he is finally taking care of himself and sober. I just hope that he continues on this path, not only for him himself, but for Brittany and for their son.”
Former VPR star Tom Sandoval also admitted on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on March 5 that he “was somewhat aware” of Taylor’s addiction after having “been around him over the years.” He also confirmed that the cast knew about Taylor’s addiction, too.
“I’m so proud of him,” Sandoval, 42, told Cohen, 56, of Taylor seeking help. “I think that’s so awesome. He really seems like he’s really been working on himself, for real.”
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In an exclusive statement to PEOPLE, Cartwright said she’s “glad that he finally admitted to what was really going on” with Taylor.
“For the first time, I can speak openly about the extent of trauma he’s instilled on our family over the years,” Cartwright continued. “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.”
At the time of his podcast appearance, Taylor said he was 83 days sober and that he’d also been abstaining from alcohol consumption. “I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem but the two go hand in hand,” he explained. “I can’t do cocaine without drinking. So I just gave up both.”
Cartwright and Taylor announced their separation in February 2024 ahead of the premiere of the first season of The Valley. In August, Cartwright filed for divorce, citing “irreconcilable differences.” The split will play out in season 2 of The Valley when it premieres later this year.
Shay teased that she may pop up in The Valley season 2, too, after filming with the cast last summer and following Bravo’s decision to reboot Vanderpump Rules.
“You never know what you’re going to see,” she tells PEOPLE. “You know what you film and then you never know what’s going to air, so it’ll be a surprise to me. But I did hang out with my friends in The Valley a lot this past summer, so I’m excited to see what comes of that.”
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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