Brittany Cartwright from Special Forces Responds to Allegations of Not Putting in Enough Effort

Brittany Cartwright has responded to the criticism she’s faced regarding her early departure from Special Forces, emphasizing the effort she put into the experience.

The season 4 premiere, which aired on September 25, showcased Brittany enduring several challenges before she decided to leave.

“It was definitely complicated. It was extremely tough; I won’t sugarcoat it. The experience of having a bag over my head on the bus was a challenge. Although I knew we were safe, it was quite frightening,” Brittany, 36, told Us Weekly exclusively about her experiences on the Fox show. “I struggled to breathe, felt shaky, and it was incredibly hot outside. It was an overwhelming sensation I didn’t anticipate before arriving.”

Brittany noted that they faced a tough and demanding ordeal.

“After battling through the mud and all the challenges, I felt utterly drained. When I saw the helicopter approaching, I was reminded of my biggest fear: heights. Helicopters terrify me. I was overwhelmed and emotional,” she reflected. “But I made it through and I’m proud of that. Carrying heavy loads up and down the mountain left me exhausted.”

Despite her limited time on the show, Brittany rejected claims that she didn’t put forth significant effort: “Many believe I didn’t try hard enough, but I genuinely gave it my all. The experience was incredibly challenging. I wasn’t in peak physical condition, and I was navigating various personal issues.”

She added, “Being away from my son [Cruz] for that long was also tough. There were numerous factors working against me. I felt trapped in my own thoughts, but I’m glad I participated. If given another chance, I would train harder and ensure I was in a better mental and physical state. I appreciate the experience.”

Brittany was among several reality stars featured in season 4 of Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test, which also included Teresa Giudice, Gia Giudice, Jussie Smollett, Kody Brown, Eric Decker, Jessie James Decker, Johnny Manziel, Chanel Iman, Nick Young, Ravi Patel, Brianna “Chickenfry” LaPaglia, Andrew East, Shawn Johnson East, Randall Cobb, Mark Estes, Eva Marcille, and Christie Pearce.

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Special Forces, which launched in 2023, challenges contestants with rigorous training resembling actual special forces selection methods. Participants endure demanding physical and mental obstacles designed to test their limits.

“[The reactions to my early departure] have been a mix, with some negativity and others acknowledging I faced my fears,” Brittany noted. “There have been many highs and lows. However, I stepped out of my comfort zone, and I take pride in that, especially in overcoming my fear of heights. Though I left disappointed, I am proud of recognizing when it was time to step back, as it was overwhelming.”

Coming off a split from Jax Taylor, Brittany believed this impacted her brief appearance on the show.

“I was facing many of my biggest fears, particularly the physical challenges. Having been away from my son for a week before the course didn’t help. The Directing Staff [DS] were doing their roles, yelling and criticizing to motivate, but coming from a toxic relationship, it triggered more than motivated me,” she explained.

The Valley star speculated that a different time in her life could have yielded better results, saying, “If I were in a healthier mindset, more physically fit, and disciplined, I would approach it differently. I’d train consistently, swim, and endure the heat more thoroughly.”

Addressing the feedback she received, Brittany clarified her feelings over Jax’s messages to her.

“His text about me not going far certainly affected my mental state. I should not have had to deal with that. I didn’t need that negativity weighing on my mind,” she remarked. “Regardless, I’m proud of the woman I am becoming and the strength I show every day. No past comments will diminish my growth. Since filming Special Forces, I’ve grown even more, and I am proud of the mother and person I am today. No one can take that away from me.”

Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.