Jax Taylor has confirmed that he will not return for Season 3 of The Valley, citing his need to focus on his recovery and mental health. In a statement shared with Variety, Taylor explained that after a challenging year and numerous conversations with his team and the show's producers, he had made the decision to step away from the Bravo series.
“I’ll be stepping away from the next season of ‘The Valley.’ Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting relationship,” Taylor shared. He added that taking this time was necessary for him to improve and become a better version of himself, particularly for the sake of his son, Cruz. Taylor, who recently turned 46, had been open about his battle with addiction, revealing in March that he had struggled with cocaine use for over two decades. His decision to step back from the show may also be seen as a way to avoid possible termination and leave room for a potential return in future seasons.
The decision comes after a tumultuous Season 2 of The Valley, which aired its finale on July 22, followed by reunion episodes. Taylor’s violent outburst in July 2024, in which he injured his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, and had a confrontation with production, was a key storyline of the season. Cartwright, who had separated from Taylor earlier that year, reported the incident, prompting Taylor to seek treatment at a mental health facility.
Despite his time in the facility, Taylor's behavior continued to raise concerns, including aggressive text messages to Cartwright and an obsessive attitude toward her. Bravo's fanbase, already vocal about their discomfort with Taylor's behavior, has called for his permanent removal from the show. This sentiment was amplified on social media, with some viewers accusing Bravo of tolerating toxic behavior for the sake of ratings.
In addition to his struggles on The Valley, Taylor’s past behavior also led to his ousting from Vanderpump Rules after Season 8. Despite this, Taylor, along with Cartwright and other former Vanderpump Rules cast members, returned in 2023 to contribute to the popular Scandoval narrative. However, unlike others, Taylor did not appear to show remorse for his past actions, further alienating fans.
As The Valley continues into its second season, Taylor’s absence has been felt, and some cast members have suggested that the show has been fine without him. The Valley producer Alex Baskin previously stated that Taylor’s recovery was a personal decision, and the future of his involvement with Bravo remains uncertain.
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