Brittany Cartwright Says Decision to End 'Toxic Relationship' with Jax Taylor and File for Divorce 'Wasn't Taken Lightly'

Just days after filing for divorce from Jax Taylor, Brittany Cartwright is opening up about the couple’s split — as much as she can, at least.

In the latest episode of the couple’s podcast, When Reality Hits with Jax and Brittany, released on Saturday, Aug. 31, Cartwright prefaced the episode by revealing that the pair “will be doing the podcast separately” from now on — and addressing the “elephant in the room.”

“So it's been a big week. I'm sure everyone listening has seen the news online by now that I filed for divorce from Jax,” the reality star, 35, began, before admitting that there is not much she can currently share with fans on the matter.

Referring to the upcoming second season of Vanderpump Rules spinoff The Valley, Cartwright said, “I unfortunately can't speak on details because everything has been heavily documented on the show since we happen to be filming right now.”

“You will see how everything plays out once the show airs but I will say this: This season has been the most difficult season I have ever had to film,” she continued. "I never imagined I'd go through something so personal and painful while having the world watch.”

The Kentucky native also gave a disclaimer that she is “not saying this for anyone to feel badly” because, she explained, “I know that this is the life I chose and I'm so fortunate in many ways, but I will always want to be real with y'all.”

Cartwright — who met Taylor, 45, in 2015 and married him in 2019 — also addressed rumors that the VPR alums’ separation is an attempt to boost The Valley’s ratings.

"Many have said online they think this has been a publicity stunt for the show or to garner ratings,” she said. “It's the furthest thing from that. My decision to file wasn't made lightly or quickly.”

Rather, she went on, “It's taken me many many years to get to this point, where I've gained enough courage and strength to do what was best for me — get myself out of a toxic relationship and ultimately see my worth.”

"It's been very difficult but I'm stronger than ever,” she said, adding that her “motivation” is the couple’s 3-year-old son, Cruz Michael Cauchi, “who deserves a happy and healthy mommy.”

“Moving forward, Jax and I will be doing the podcast separately,” Cartwright continued, before explaining that this week’s “rewind” episode contains some of the former couple’s “best memories together from the past.”

“I love you guys and just hang in there with me. Thank you,” she concluded the intro.

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The “rewind” episode of When Reality Hits comes just four days after Cartwright filed for divorce on Tuesday, Aug. 27, according to court documents obtained by PEOPLE. The documents list the couple’s date of separation as Jan. 24 and cite "irreconcilable differences" as the reason for the divorce.

Cartwright requested legal and physical custody of Cruz, but asked that the court grant Taylor visitation rights. She also asked the court to terminate spousal support to both parties.

The filing came days after Taylor completed a 30-day treatment in a mental health facility, and nearly six months after Cartwright first announced that she and Taylor were "taking time apart.”