Alix Earle's sticking up for Braxton Berrios ... calling the guy her "best friend" despite the split ... while sobbing in a clip posted to Instagram.
The social media gave her fans a full rundown on her breakup ... confirming the recent reporting on their breakup, which she reiterates was due to distance issues they've been dealing with since the summer.
Earle says she felt like she wanted to stay in Los Angeles after her time on "Dancing with the Stars" .