Andy Cohen Addresses Bravo Star’s Surprise Exit From Show: ‘Very Pleased’

Andy Cohen is happy that Jax Taylor is exiting “The Valley” after two seasons. The Bravo host addressed the news on SiriusXM’s Andy Cohen Live on July 17.

“Jax announced yesterday that he’s going to be stepping away from The Valley,” Cohen said on his radio show. “I’m very pleased with his decision, and I think it is  reading the room well. And I think the most important thing is that I hope he can work on all of his issues.”

Cohen noted that the subject came up at “The Valley” reunion taping. “I have kind of a serious conversation with him about his need for control and his anger issues and what it’s going to take to get to a better place with [his ex-wife] Brittany and, you know, in the world,” Cohen shared. “And I hope that he takes the time to lean into  this away from the cameras.”

Cohen added that Taylor seems “very committed” to his sobriety based on their conversations. “I hope that time from the cameras will further encourage that and further encourage him to get it together,” he said.

Jax Taylor Plans to Focus on His Recovery & Mental Health

Taylor was a main cast member on “The Valley” for two seasons. He has claimed he helped develop the show, which also stars former “Vanderpump Rules” star Kristen Doute, his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, and their friend group in the San Fernando Valley.

Taylor’s struggles with mental health and substance abuse issues were heavily addressed during Season 2, and he was seen going to rehab during filming.

In a statement to Us Weekly on July 16,  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. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”

Jax Taylor’s Co-Stars Were Unaware He Was Leaving ‘The Valley’

Bravo

Casting for Season 3 of “The Valley” has not been announced by Bravo, but Taylor would have normally been a shoo-in to return.

In an interview with Variety in June, co-star Nia Sanchez Booko said of Taylor, “I mean, we wouldn’t have ‘The Valley’ if it weren’t for him, Kristen, and Brittany. I feel there needs be acknowledgement that it’s his show.”

A source told People magazine that the cast “was absolutely blindsided” by Taylor’s exit announcement. “They were not given any advance notifications about his exit,” the insider told the outlet. “Most of the cast were notified that filming was going to begin at the end of the summer, 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.”