Photo Credit: Getty Images
Jax Taylor is speaking out after his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, was granted a temporary restraining order against him amid allegations of abuse.
Cartwright filed for the order on Aug. 27, alleging that Taylor subjected her to a pattern of "coercive control, financial abuse, emotional and psychological abuse, gaslighting and even physical violence" throughout their relationship.
In her filing, Cartwright alleged that Taylor had threatened to "gut me like a fish," threatened to kill her and physically attacked her during their marriage. She also accused him of throwing furniture, damaging her property, accessing her phone and social media accounts without permission and repeatedly confronting her during custody-related interactions.
A judge granted Cartwright's request and ordered Taylor to stay 100 yards away from her. Her request for sole custody of their 5-year-old son, Cruz, was denied pending a court hearing scheduled for Sept. 17.
Taylor has now responded to the allegations, saying he takes responsibility for his behavior during what he described as "the darkest time of my life" and the height of his addiction.
"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," Taylor said in a statement shared with E! News on Aug. 28.
"The person I was in 2024, during the darkest time of my life and at the height of my addiction, is not the person I am today."
Taylor said he sought treatment and has continued with therapy, adding that he is now 21 months sober.
However, he strongly disputed some of Cartwright's allegations.
"There are allegations being made that I strongly dispute," he said. "The full story, context and evidence will be addressed where it belongs — in court."
Taylor also said he would respect the restraining order and legal process.
"My focus continues to be my sobriety, working on my mental health, being the best father I can be to Cruz and moving forward in a healthy and responsible way," he said.
Taylor and Cartwright were married from 2019 until their separation in 2024. Their divorce and custody arrangements have remained contentious, with the former couple continuing to share parenting responsibilities for Cruz.
