In what’s quickly becoming one of the most talked-about celebrity controversies of the Halloween season, former Vanderpump Rules star Jax Taylor is facing major backlash after sharing a series of Halloween photos many fans and critics are calling “petty,” “cruel,” and “deeply disrespectful.” The images, posted on Taylor’s Instagram over the weekend, appear to mock his ex-wife Brittany Cartwright, who he separated from earlier this year.
The Costume That Sparked Outrage
Jax, known as reality TV’s resident bad boy, dressed up as a “monster ex-wife,” complete with a long, tangled wig, exaggerated makeup, and a fake Southern accent in a now-deleted Instagram video. He was joined by a group of friends who laughed and played along as he pretended to be a “nagging, clingy ex,” using what many fans identified as a caricature of Brittany’s Kentucky accent.
To make matters worse, Taylor captioned one of the photos:
“Escaped the monster just in time… Happy Halloween to all the survivors out there. “
Almost immediately, fans, followers, and even fellow Bravolebrities flooded the comments with criticism, accusing Jax of bullying, misogyny, and emotional immaturity.
The Fallout: Fans and Celebrities React
The backlash was swift. Within hours, hashtags like #BoycottJaxTaylor and #JusticeForBrittany began trending on X (formerly Twitter). Fans expressed shock and disappointment, especially given that Brittany and Jax share a 3-year-old son, Cruz.
“Mocking your ex-wife, the mother of your child, in a public post? That’s low even for Jax,” one user wrote.
Lala Kent, a fellow Vanderpump Rules alum, weighed in subtly on her Instagram story, posting a quote that read:
“Your child will grow up and see how you treated their mother. Think about that.”
Meanwhile, Brittany Cartwright herself has remained mostly silent, only posting a cryptic message on her Instagram story:
“Some masks don’t come off after Halloween.”
Is This Just Another PR Stunt?
Some insiders are speculating that the stunt may have been orchestrated for attention, especially since Jax and Brittany are currently filming the second season of their spinoff show,
The Valley. However, public sentiment suggests the move backfired—badly.“Regardless of whether it was a stunt or not, it crossed a line,” says celebrity PR analyst Dana Lopez. “In today’s culture, mocking your ex—especially when children are involved—doesn’t play well. It’s not edgy, it’s cruel.”
The Bigger Picture: Co-Parenting in the Public Eye
This scandal reignites the conversation about co-parenting in the spotlight. Brittany and Jax, once seen as a power couple within the Bravo universe, publicly announced their separation in early 2025 after months of rumored tension. Since then, both have made efforts to portray themselves as amicable co-parents.
But this Halloween incident appears to have shattered that image.
“Cruz is going to grow up and see this someday,” one fan commented. “You don’t have to like your ex, but you owe your child respect for their other parent.”
What Happens Next?
As of now, Jax Taylor has issued no apology. His team has also declined to comment, though sources close to production say Bravo executives are “not happy” with the situation.
Whether this scandal will have long-term consequences for Jax’s career—or his role on The Valley—remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: when it comes to Halloween horror stories, this one might be the real monster tale.
