In a dramatic turn of events, Jax Taylor, the controversial star of Bravo’s The Valley, has publicly apologized for his behavior during Season 2 of the reality show. The apology, delivered on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen on June 17, 2025, comes amid intense fan backlash and calls for his removal from the series due to his troubling actions, particularly toward his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright. Here’s a detailed look at the fallout, Taylor’s response, and what it means for his future on Bravo.
A Season of Controversy
Jax Taylor, a longtime figure in the Bravo universe, has been at the center of The Valley Season 2’s drama. The show, a spinoff of Vanderpump Rules, follows Taylor, Cartwright, and other cast members navigating life in suburban Los Angeles. However, Taylor’s behavior this season has drawn significant criticism. Fans have pointed to several incidents, including:
- Rage-Fueled Outbursts: In the Season 2 premiere, Taylor admitted to going into a “full f***ing unhinged rage” after accusing Cartwright of cheating, which led to him flipping a coffee table that struck her knee, causing injury.
- Spying Allegations: While in a mental health facility, Taylor texted producers, admitting he was watching Cartwright via home security cameras, a move that alarmed both her and viewers.
- Financial Disputes: Cartwright revealed Taylor stopped paying their shared mortgage, and she accused him of leaving her with potential $100,000 debts.
These incidents, coupled with Taylor’s history of manipulative behavior and anger issues, have led fans to label him “dangerous” and demand his firing from Bravo. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with criticism, with users like @maxhadid30 stating, “Bravo will be complicit when Jax eventually seriously hurts/kills somebody,” and others urging the network to stop platforming him.
The Apology
During his Watch What Happens Live appearance, Taylor addressed the backlash head-on. “First of all, I want to apologize to everybody who’s watching this right now,” he said. “The stuff that was shown [on Season 2 of The Valley] is pretty triggering to a lot of people, and I’m utterly embarrassed of my actions.” He specifically apologized to Cartwright, acknowledging that “no one should ever endure the way I acted, especially not Brittany.”
Taylor also shared an update on his sobriety, revealing he has been sober for 201 days and is regularly drug-tested to maintain accountability. “I want to be held accountable,” he told host Andy Cohen, noting that Cartwright has access to drug tests to monitor him.
Reflecting on his behavior, Taylor admitted to struggling with “ego, anger, control, and manipulation.” He expressed regret over his treatment of Cartwright, with whom he shares a 4-year-old son, Cruz, and emphasized his focus on personal growth. “I’m watching it back, and I don’t know who that person is,” he said of his on-screen actions.
Fan and Industry Response
Despite Taylor’s apology, fan sentiment remains divided. Some viewers expressed skepticism, with one X user, @joyadjacent, criticizing Taylor for avoiding full accountability by framing his apology around the “stuff that was shown” rather than his actions themselves. Others, however, see his apology as a step toward redemption, noting his sobriety milestone and willingness to address his flaws publicly.
Bravo, meanwhile, has not indicated plans to fire Taylor. An insider told The U.S. Sun that while “the fallout has been worse than [Jax] thought,” the network has had “no talks to fire him yet.” The source added that removing Taylor would fundamentally change The Valley, as he is a central figure in the show’s dynamic. However, the insider noted that his departure “is not completely out of question for the future.”
The controversy has also impacted Taylor’s other ventures. His Los Angeles bar, Jax’s in Studio City, has reportedly struggled, with empty tables on weekend nights, and his podcast tour was canceled after several venues pulled out due to his behavior.
The Bigger Picture: Taylor and Cartwright’s Divorce
The backdrop to this drama is Taylor and Cartwright’s ongoing divorce, filed by Cartwright in August 2024 while Taylor was in rehab for substance abuse and mental health issues. The split has been contentious, with financial disputes and co-parenting challenges playing out both on The Valley and in the media. Cartwright has expressed mixed feelings, stating on her podcast, When Reality Hits, that while she still loves Taylor, his “blow-ups” and financial irresponsibility pushed her to end the marriage.
As of late March 2025, the divorce remains unfinalized, with Cartwright noting on her podcast that “a couple of things” are still being worked out.
What’s Next for Jax Taylor and The Valley?
Taylor’s future on The Valley remains uncertain. While Bravo has not confirmed any casting changes for Season 3, fan pressure and Taylor’s absence from several Season 2 episodes—due to his rehab stint—have fueled speculation. Some cast members, like Kristen Doute, have suggested that Taylor’s absence brought the cast closer together, hinting at a potential shift in the show’s dynamic.
For now, Taylor appears committed to his sobriety and personal growth, but whether this will be enough to repair his reputation with fans and secure his place on Bravo remains to be seen. The Valley continues to air Tuesdays at 8/7c on Bravo, with episodes streaming the next day on Peacock.
