Jax Taylor announced his decision to step away from filming “The Valley” to focus on his sobriety and mental health after a challenging year, leaving his castmates, including estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, blindsided by the news as he prioritizes becoming a better father to their son, Cruz.

In a surprising announcement made on July 16, 2025, Jax Taylor, the reality star known for his role in Bravo’s “The Valley,” revealed that he will be stepping away from filming the show’s upcoming third season.

At 46, Taylor expressed that after an incredibly challenging year filled with personal struggles, he has decided to focus on his sobriety and mental health.

In a statement shared with Variety, he emphasized the importance of this decision, stating, “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and co-parenting relationship. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”

The news of Taylor’s exit has left his castmates, including his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, “absolutely blindsided.”

A source disclosed that the cast was not informed in advance about his departure, despite expectations that filming for the new season would commence at the end of the summer.

“They were notified that filming was going to begin, and they expected Jax would be a part of the new season because — even as lately as yesterday — he hadn’t said otherwise. This is a huge surprise,” the source explained.

Taylor’s struggles with addiction have been a recurring theme in his life, most notably his battle with cocaine, which he openly discussed during a March podcast appearance.

“I have substance issues — primarily with cocaine,” he admitted. “It’s hard to say out loud.

I’ve been dealing with this on and off since I was 23 and now I’m 45.” He described the weight lifted off his shoulders by acknowledging his addiction, stating, “I’ve never said this in my life.

So to come out and say that I have an addiction and that I have a sickness that I have to work on the rest of my life is a really big deal for me.”

In August 2024, shortly after announcing his separation from Cartwright, Taylor entered an in-patient rehabilitation facility.

His team emphasized the sensitivity of the situation, asking for privacy as he navigated this difficult time.

The couple shares a four-year-old son, Cruz, and Taylor’s focus on sobriety is partly motivated by his desire to be a better father.

Cartwright, who has been vocal about her struggles during their tumultuous relationship, previously shared her frustrations regarding Taylor’s behavior during his substance abuse episodes.

“It got so bad, and he was just so aggressive and horrible to me, yelling at me in front of our son,” she revealed, explaining her decision to take Cruz out of the house.

After their split, she noted that Taylor “spiraled out of control,” making reconciliation impossible.

As Taylor’s journey toward sobriety unfolds, Cartwright filed for divorce, stating, “I realized I have to do this now, before he gets out and has the chance to pull me back in. It was time.”

Their strained relationship has been a focal point of the current season of “The Valley,” with viewers witnessing the impact of Taylor’s struggles on their family dynamic.

The season two finale of “The Valley” is set to air on July 22, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on Bravo, leaving fans eager to see how Taylor’s departure will affect the show’s narrative.

With Taylor stepping back from the spotlight to focus on his recovery, questions arise about the future of the show and the impact of his absence on his castmates and fans alike.

As Taylor embarks on this critical journey toward healing, many are left wondering what this means for his career and personal life moving forward.