Jax Taylor Steps Away from The Valley to Prioritize Sobriety
Not to sound jaded but Jax Taylor is officially off The Valley grid starting season three. The reality star announced he will not return to Bravo’s hit series after two seasons, citing a need to refocus on his mental health, sobriety, and co-parenting responsibilities.
In a statement shared with Us Weekly, Taylor explained that after a demanding year and numerous heartfelt talks with his team and producers, stepping away from the upcoming season was the only choice. He noted that his top priorities are his recovery journey and being fully present for his son Cruz.
Season two of The Valley captured Taylor’s struggle at a wellness facility following a public split from wife Brittany Cartwright. Early on, he checked into treatment for mental health support, which left him out of a few episodes. Even so, cast members and viewers felt his impact through heated text messages and solo confessionals recorded during his stay.
Once Taylor returned to Los Angeles, Cartwright served him divorce papers after five years of marriage. Filing in family court, she cited irreconcilable differences. From that point forward, the second season became a deep dive into their unraveling relationship.
Before the new episodes hit screens in March, Taylor had already admitted to battling cocaine addiction. He opened up about the challenge while promoting the season, acknowledging how substance abuse had affected his life and marriage.
Viewers also witnessed intense moments on screen. One scene showed Taylor flipping a coffee table in anger and reportedly injuring Cartwright. Another revealed him removing camera covers from their shared home to avoid filming sensitive interactions.
Even amid backlash and fan concern over platforming troubling behavior, executive producer Alex Baskin defended the full disclosure approach in a Variety interview published June 17. Baskin argued that sharing Brittany’s side of the story alongside Taylor’s journey is vital for transparency and fairness.
This isn’t Taylor’s first brush with controversy. In 2017 he admitted to a cheating scandal involving former SUR waitress Faith Stowers on Vanderpump Rules. After a brief breakup, Taylor and Cartwright reunited and eventually tied the knot in 2020.
Fast forward to February 2024, Cartwright announced on their When Reality Hits podcast that they were taking time apart. She revealed her move to a new home was necessary for her well-being and acknowledged the year had been particularly tough on both of them.
By spring, the show trailer made it clear their marriage was on thin ice. Fans saw awkward silences in group scenes and unspoken tension pulsing through every interaction.
Looking ahead, viewers will be curious to see if Taylor’s break from filming leads to a stronger comeback. Will sobriety and therapy pave the way for a return to reality television? Only time will tell.
And that is the scoop. Make of it what you will.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Us Weekly, Variety, Bravo
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
