Jax Taylor will not return for the third season of Bravo’s ‘The Valley,’ as he steps away to concentrate on his recovery and mental health. In a statement obtained by Variety, Taylor said: “After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, 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.” Us Weekly first reported his departure.
Taylor, who turned 46 on July 11, had revealed in March that he had struggled with cocaine addiction for over two decades. By choosing to step back voluntarily, he avoids the strong possibility of being fired and preserves a chance to return later. Bravo has not commented on his exit.
Season 2 of ‘The Valley’ has documented Taylor’s behaviour, including a violent incident days before production began in July 2024. He flipped a coffee table, hitting estranged wife Brittany Cartwright’s knee, then threw furniture and punched a wall while their three-year-old son Cruz was nearby. Cartwright reported the incident to producers and castmates, which became the focus of the season premiere. Taylor subsequently entered a mental health facility.
While in the facility, Taylor sent Cartwright angry text messages blaming her for taking his job and vowing never to forgive her. He also appeared to monitor her via home cameras, texting her about what she was wearing. A producer showed Cartwright a text reading “I can hear everything: Childish behaviour.” When she consulted a divorce lawyer, the lawyer described his messages as “obsessed” and “unhealthy,” warning: “This is not good.” Cartwright began divorce proceedings that day and served Taylor on camera after he left the facility.
The season finale airs on July 22, followed by three reunion episodes. Taylor’s future with Bravo remains uncertain, though his statement suggests a possible return if he achieves recovery.
