Reality television personality Brittany Cartwright has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding her discovery that estranged husband Jax Taylor is romantically involved with Lori Krebs, who previously served as Cartwright's publicist.
During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen on Wednesday, August 5, Cartwright, 37, explained that Krebs contacted her directly on the morning photographs surfaced showing the publicist and Taylor together in Mexico.
"[Lori] sent me a text message, morning of [the release of photos of her and Jax vacationing in Mexico], two hours before the TMZ photos came out and let me know that things had changed and that she knows I will feel betrayed," Cartwright told host Andy Cohen, 58. "[Lori said] she loves me and [Brittany and Jax's son, Cruz] and she's never told Jax anything. Come on."
The photographs in question captured Taylor, 47, and Krebs at Hotel Mousai in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, during a July trip coinciding with the Vanderpump Rules alum's birthday. Eyewitness accounts described the pair appearing intimate at the resort.
Cartwright elaborated on the professional and personal relationship she maintained with Krebs at the time the romance developed, contradicting subsequent claims that their friendship had deteriorated.
"She was still my publicist," Cartwright stated during the broadcast. "She was still getting a retainer from me. She was still making 10% of things for me. She was still my friend — family, basically. I had just invited her to a 4th of July cookout at my house."
The reality star challenged assertions from sources close to Krebs suggesting their relationship had become distant, noting that Krebs accompanied her to a previous Watch What Happens Live appearance in April.
"Now, she's trying to say we haven't been friends for a year and a half?" Cartwright said. "[Lori] was here [at WWHL] the last time I was here, Andy. That was in April. The lies are insane, to try to flip the image and make them look better. It's never going to look better."
A source speaking to Us Weekly offered a different perspective on the professional dynamics, asserting that Krebs had been attempting to distance herself from representing Cartwright due to feeling caught between the estranged couple. The source maintained that Krebs and Cartwright had minimal contact outside work obligations and met only a few times over the past year.
Michael Kernan, serving as legal counsel for Krebs, addressed the controversy in a statement to People, asserting it is inaccurate to characterize his client as engaging in unethical dual representation. Kernan specified that Krebs has not represented Taylor for more than a year.
Taylor responded to Cartwright's television appearance through Instagram comments, accusing his estranged wife of spreading falsehoods. His attorney, Mark Vincent Kaplan, has denied allegations of abuse that Cartwright referenced during her interview.
"I expect it from Jax. I don't care if Jax dates someone. Move on. Leave me alone," Cartwright stated. "It's what she did! She was my family member, the person I went to whenever I was being abused in that relationship."
Cartwright and Taylor separated in February 2024 and initiated divorce proceedings in August of that year. The couple shares a son, Cruz, and has not yet finalized a settlement.
When Cohen inquired whether Taylor and Krebs continue their relationship, Cartwright confirmed her belief that they remain involved, noting Taylor recently missed scheduled parenting time due to travel to Canada.
Taylor appeared to confirm the relationship last week when responding to an Instagram commenter who suggested he pursue a role on The Bachelor. His reply stated he was unavailable because he is currently in a relationship.
Former Vanderpump Rules cast members have publicly supported Cartwright following the revelation. Stassi Schroeder, 38, discussed the situation on the Friday, July 31, episode of the "It Girl" podcast, expressing sympathy for Cartwright and stating she had always harbored suspicions about Krebs.
"I feel so bad for Brittany," Schroeder said during the podcast. "It's so believable because he's a horrible person, but like, that publicist? I always knew she was bad news. I always knew it. I felt it."
Kristen Doute has similarly voiced support for Cartwright in recent days as the controversy continues to unfold in the public sphere.
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Ava Hart
Ava Hart is a pop culture junkie and loves to share what's happening in Hollywood and what trends are taking the world by storm.
