Jax Taylor is stepping away from Bravo—for now. The former “Vanderpump Rules” star, who recently headlined the network’s spinoff “The Valley,” has announced he won’t appear in the upcoming season as he prioritizes his recovery, mental health, and coparenting relationship with Brittany Cartwright.
Jax Taylor Announces Break from ‘The Valley’
After years in the spotlight, Jax Taylor confirmed he will not return for the next season of “The Valley.” In a statement to Variety, Taylor shared, “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. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”
A source close to the show told Page Six that Taylor’s exit is not permanent, and the door remains open for a possible return. “Everyone wants him well, in a better place, and is supportive of his journey,” the insider said. “Everyone is hoping for the best.”
The Bravo personality’s decision comes after two stints in rehab for cocaine addiction. In a candid interview on Bravo’s “Hot Mic” podcast, Taylor, 46, admitted, “This is tough to say… I’m an addict. I have substance issues, primarily with cocaine. Oh, that’s hard to say out loud.” He continued, “I don’t necessarily think I have an alcohol problem, but the two go hand in hand. I can’t do cocaine without drinking, so I just gave up both, and I’m proud to say I’m 82, 83 days sober right now.”
Custody Battles and Personal Struggles Played Out on Camera
Taylor’s personal life has been front and center on season 2 of “The Valley,” especially his tumultuous relationship with his estranged wife. The couple separated in 2024 after five years of marriage, and Cartwright filed for sole legal and physical custody of their son, Cruz, who was diagnosed with autism last year.
In March, Cartwright, 36, revealed the breaking point in their marriage. She claimed Taylor lashed out at her during a car ride to their son’s doctor appointment after partying the night before. She said the incident happened the same day Taylor was involved in a hit-and-run and later checked into rehab. He reportedly left the facility after just 17 days.
Taylor also revealed in September 2024 that he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD. “Mental health is a lifelong battle of not letting it control you but rather you learning to control it,” he said at the time.
Before joining “The Valley,” Taylor was a longtime cast member of “Vanderpump Rules,” appearing from its debut in 2013 through Season 8. He and Cartwright were both fired from the original series in 2020 after Taylor allegedly made racially insensitive comments to a Black cast member. Despite that fallout, the couple returned to Bravo with their spinoff in 2024.
I mean, this is for the best. I think we can all agree.