Reality TV star Jax Taylor is once again at the center of controversy – this time not for cheating scandals or televised meltdowns, but for allegedly neglecting to pay his electricity bills for over two years. According to a newly surfaced report, the Vanderpump Rules alum has racked up a shocking $4,600 in unpaid utility charges, prompting a formal complaint from the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power.
Sources close to the situation say multiple shutoff warnings were sent to Taylor’s Beverly Grove residence as early as spring 2023. But what was once whispered gossip among neighbors has now exploded into public scandal, especially after his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright broke her silence in a private conversation with friends.
“Power cuts were happening all the time,” Brittany reportedly confessed to a close circle of girlfriends during a lunch in Studio City last week. “I thought it was the grid or some construction thing at first, but turns out he just wasn’t paying.”
The admission sent shockwaves through the Bravo fandom, many of whom had followed the couple’s lavish lifestyle on TV and social media. Between their new bar venture, luxury travel posts, and high-end renovations in their home, the idea of a basic utility bill going unpaid seemed hard to believe.
A spokesperson for the Department of Water and Power confirmed that a balance exceeding $4,600 has remained unpaid and noted that the residence associated with Taylor had been “flagged for repeated service interruptions due to nonpayment.” The account, tied to the address of the couple’s shared property, now risks being referred to collections if payment is not received by the end of the month.
Adding to the mess, insiders allege that Jax had previously blamed mail delivery issues and even once claimed his dog “chewed up the bill,” in an email sent to the company back in late 2022. One insider familiar with the account says the excuses kept changing, but the outcome remained the same – no payment, no power.
Fans have taken to social media to express a mix of disbelief and exasperation. “This man is out here opening bars and flexing watches but can’t pay his electric bill?!” one user tweeted. Others defended Brittany, noting that she has consistently tried to maintain the household during their marital breakdown.
Cartwright, who recently moved out of their shared home amid rising marital tension, is said to be “embarrassed and exhausted” by the growing list of financial red flags surrounding her ex. “She thought they were splitting things fairly,” another source tells DailyMail.com. “She had no idea the bills were being ignored.”
The scandal comes at a particularly delicate time for the former couple, who are currently navigating co-parenting arrangements and public speculation surrounding their separation. A friend of the family says Brittany is “done being the one who fixes everything” and has reportedly sought legal advice after discovering her name was still tied to several household utility accounts.
As for Jax, he has yet to publicly address the accusations – but sources say he’s aware the story is gaining traction and “isn’t happy it’s gone public.”