Brittany Cartwright has bravely addressed the scrutiny surrounding her departure from Special Forces. Detractors have questioned her determination, and she has responded with an emphatic rebuttal.
During the season 4 premiere aired on September 25, Brittany endured several challenges before deciding to exit the competition. Despite her efforts, Brittany struggled through arduous tasks, ultimately leading to her decision to leave.
“The experience was undeniably complex and intense. I wonât sugarcoat it; it was incredibly tough. The moment they placed a bag over my head on the bus, I felt sheer terror despite knowing we were safe. I was shaking uncontrollably, overwhelmed by the heat and the unfamiliar sensations. It was beyond anything I anticipated,” she shared with Us Weekly.
Brittany emphasized the extreme challenges the contestants faced, calling attention to the rigorous demands placed on them in such an unforgiving environment.
Recalling one of the most challenging moments, she described, “After rolling around in mud, I was utterly exhausted. Then, as the helicopter approachedâheights being my greatest fearâI was both crying and praying. Yet, I persevered, and Iâm proud of that achievement. The relentless mountain running with heavy gear left me drained.”
Though she may not have progressed far on the show, Brittany staunchly defended her commitment: “Many assume I didnât give my all, but that couldnât be further from the truth. I genuinely tried my best. It was unequivocally complicated, especially since I wasnât physically fit and was navigating numerous personal challenges at that time.”
She expressed that the emotional toll was exacerbated by her being away from her son [Cruz] for an extended period, citing it as another obstacle. “There were so many factors at playâbeing in my head was significant. Iâm thankful for the opportunity, and if I could redo it, I would focus more on my physical conditioning and mental well-being. Nonetheless, I do not take this experience lightly,” she remarked.
Among the cast were fellow reality stars including Teresa Giudice, Jussie Smollett, Kody Brown, and Eric Decker, all vying in the same grueling competition.
Special Forces launched in 2023 and is notorious for putting contestants through military-style training akin to real special forces selection. Competitors face brutal physical and mental trials designed to test their limits.
Brittany discussed the mixed responses she received regarding her early exit: “Feedback ranged from negativity to praise for facing my fears. Itâs been a rollercoaster. Ultimately, I stepped outside my comfort zone, and no matter the outcome, Iâm proud of that choice and the fact I confronted my fears, particularly of heights. I did not want to exit first, but recognizing when to walk away was a strength in itself amid overwhelming stress.â
Her short run on the show came on the heels of a breakup with Jax Taylor, which she noted affected her experience. “Facing my worst fears and physical challenges was daunting. Coming off a breakup, the Directed Staffâs methods of screaming and belittling only intensified my anxiety instead of motivating me to push through,” she explained, acknowledging the complexities of her mental state at the time.
Reflecting on her mindset, Brittany considered her emotional state before the competition: “If I had been in a better place emotionally and physically, things might have turned out differently. Moving forward, I would have a consistent training regimenârunning daily, swimming laps, and preparing thoroughly for any future challenges.”
Confronting the criticisms faced, she further elaborated on the texts from Jax that had unsettled her, saying, “Being told I wouldnât succeed was demoralizing and burdensome, something I shouldnât have had to deal with during this ordeal. But such negativity no longer influences me; Iâve grown immensely since filming Special Forces.
“Regardless of past discouragement, I remain proud of my strength and resilience as a woman and mother. Nothing can diminish that self-worth,â she concluded.
Special Forces: Worldâs Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.
