In a dramatic turn that has blindsided even Bravo insiders, Vanderpump Rules alum Jax Taylor has filed a formal lawsuit against Sherri Cartwright, the mother of his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, accusing her of deliberately interfering with his parental rights in the aftermath of their high-profile divorce. According to newly obtained court documents, Jax claims that Brittany’s mother has “intentionally and repeatedly obstructed” his efforts to visit his young son Cruz, who has been living primarily with Brittany and spending time with her family in Kentucky since the couple’s separation.
The lawsuit, filed discreetly in a Los Angeles court but quickly leaked to multiple outlets, alleges that Sherri Cartwright used “manipulative tactics and emotional pressure” to limit Jax’s access to Cruz, going as far as allegedly blocking scheduled visits and discouraging Brittany from allowing Jax to travel to Kentucky. “This is not just about grandparental influence,” one insider close to the case said. “This is a clear accusation that Sherri has overstepped every boundary imaginable between a parent and their child.”
Sources say the situation escalated after Brittany temporarily relocated to Kentucky following their split, citing “emotional support from family” as her primary reason. But according to Jax, that emotional support became a control mechanism. The documents outline alleged text messages from Sherri discouraging communication between Jax and Cruz, as well as moments where Jax says he was “completely denied the right to see or even FaceTime his son.” The most damning part of the suit claims that Sherri once told a family member that “Jax doesn’t deserve to be around Cruz after what he did to Brittany,” a statement Jax’s legal team included as evidence of intentional defamation and parental alienation.
Jax, 44, is reportedly “devastated and furious,” feeling like his role as a father is being erased not just by circumstances but by active interference. “He’s been painted as the bad guy publicly, but behind closed doors he’s trying to be a father, and he’s being blocked,” another source revealed. “This lawsuit is his way of taking back control.”
Meanwhile, representatives for Brittany and Sherri have declined to comment publicly, though insiders say the Cartwright family is “shocked” by the lawsuit and view it as a betrayal. “They feel like Jax is using legal threats to regain sympathy, while ignoring the emotional toll his behavior has taken on everyone involved,” the source added.
Bravo has not issued an official statement, but with Jax currently filming for The Valley, this explosive legal feud could spill over into the reality TV universe faster than expected. Production insiders are reportedly “scrambling” to decide whether to address the lawsuit on-screen or keep it off-camera amid concerns about legal liabilities and emotional fallout.
As the legal battle unfolds, what was once one of Bravo’s most talked-about couples is now at war — not over love, but over parental rights, reputation, and the very definition of family. And if this is just the beginning, fans can expect a front-row seat to one of the most volatile post-divorce storylines reality TV has ever seen.
