Brittany Cartwright recently shared how she learned about her estranged husband Jax Taylor‘s relationship with her former publicist Lori Krebs.
“[Lori] texted me the morning of [the photos of her and Jax in Mexico being released], about two hours before the TMZ pictures were published, to tell me that things had changed and she knew I would feel betrayed,” Brittany, 37, explained to an evidently surprised Andy Cohen on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday, August 5. “[Lori said] she loves me and [Brittany and Jax’s son, Cruz] and she’s never told Jax anything. Come on.”
Us obtained images of Jax, 47, and Lori enjoying a vacation at Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, for the Vanderpump Rules alum’s birthday in July. A source who spoke to Us described a scene where Jax and Lori were reportedly seen cuddling in a pool at the resort.
“They had their arms wrapped around each other and looked very close,” an eyewitness told Us. “It seemed obvious that they were very much together.”
Nevertheless, a separate source informed Us on Wednesday that the perceived closeness between Lori and both Jax and Brittany is not accurate.
“Lori understands why Brittany feels betrayed. However, the notion that they were still ‘like family’ when this occurred isn’t accurate,” the source told Us. “Brittany and Lori haven’t been close for quite some time. Their relationship changed significantly. They saw each other only a few times in the past year, never spoke outside of work, and Lori’s role was mostly limited to coordinating media interviews. She had already been trying to transition away from representing Brittany because she increasingly felt caught in a challenging situation.”
The source added, “Throughout Jax’s addiction and recovery, Lori supported both of them in different ways. As Jax progressed and focused on rebuilding his life, the professional and personal dynamics shifted. While Lori understands Brittany’s hurt, the picture being painted of their relationship at that time isn’t accurate.”
Jax reacted to Brittany’s WWHL appearance by commenting on the show’s Instagram, accusing his estranged wife of making “blatant lies.”
During her interview with Andy, 58, Brittany opened up about her feelings of betrayal over a former close confidant dating Jax. (Jax and Brittany separated in February 2024 and began divorce proceedings that August. They have yet to reach a settlement.)
Lori’s attorney, Michael Kernan, told People this week that it “is inaccurate to suggest that my client engaged in an unethical dual representation” and that she has not represented Jax “for well over a year.”
Brittany recounted her own timeline during her interview with Andy on Watch What Happens Live on Wednesday.
“She was still my publicist,” Brittany said. “She was still receiving a retainer from me, still earning 10% on things for me. She was still my friend — practically family. I had just invited her to a 4th of July cookout at my house.”
Brittany Cartwright Charles Sykes/Bravo
She continued, “Now, she’s claiming we haven’t been friends for a year and a half? … [Lori] was here [at WWHL] the last time I was here, Andy, and that was in April. The lies are insane, trying to change the narrative to make themselves look better. It’s never going to look better.”
“I expect it from Jax. I don’t care if Jax dates someone. Move on. Leave me alone,” Brittany added. “It’s what she did! She was like family to me, the person I turned to whenever I was being mistreated in that relationship.”
Jax’s attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, has denied Cartwright’s claims of mistreatment.
Later in the segment, Brittany mentioned that her only communication with Jax since the controversy began is when he “constantly harasses [her] on our parenting app.”
“He just kinda fights with himself on there,” she joked. “It’s really bad.”
When Andy asked whether Lori and Jax are still “seeing each other,” Brittany responded, “I guess! He just recently missed his time with his son because he was in Canada [with her].”
Us has reached out to representatives for Lori and Jax for comment.
Earlier on Wednesday, Brittany spoke to People about the “complete, complete betrayal” she felt from someone who was “like a sister to me for 10 years.”
“She knows every detail of my life and still chose to be with the enemy, essentially,” Brittany alleged.
Meanwhile, Jax seemingly confirmed his relationship with Lori last week when a fan suggested he should be the next Bachelor.
“No thanks I am taken,” he replied to the Instagram commenter.
Jax Taylor has refuted the rumors that he is delaying the proceedings for his ongoing divorce from Brittany Cartwright. “Jax has been eager to move this case forward to completion for quite some time. The assertion that he is the cause of the divorce delay is completely false,” Jax’s lawyer Mark Vincent Kaplan exclusively […]
Amid the controversy, Brittany has received support from former Vanderpump Rules costars Stassi Schroeder and Kristen Doute in recent days.
“I feel so bad for Brittany,” Stassi, 38, shared on the Friday, July 31, episode of the “It Girl” podcast. “I am following this drama just like the Summer House saga. It’s believable because he’s not a good person, but that publicist? I always suspected she was trouble. I always knew it. My instincts are pretty sharp when it comes to shady people.”
Stassi then joked, “Honestly, I guess [Jax and Lori are] a match. I hope they get married and I hope it lasts.”
