"After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and the show's producers, I've decided to step away from the next season of The Valley," said Taylor, 46. "Right now, I need to focus on my sobriety, mental health, and my role as a co-parent. Taking this time is necessary for me to grow and become the best version of myself, especially for our son, Cruz."
Us Weekly was the first outlet to report the news. A source later told PEOPLE that Taylor's castmates, including his estranged wife Brittany Cartwright, were caught off guard.
"They were absolutely blindsided," the source said. "There was no advance notice about his exit. Most of the cast had been informed that filming was set to begin by the end of the summer and expected Jax to be part of it. Even as recently as yesterday, he hadn't indicated he would step away. This came as a huge surprise."
Bravo has not issued a statement regarding Taylor's decision.
Taylor opened up about his struggle with substance use earlier this year. During a March podcast interview, he admitted to battling cocaine addiction since his early twenties.
"I have substance issues, primarily with cocaine," he said. "It's difficult to say out loud, but I've dealt with this on and off since I was 23. I'm 45 now. I've had periods where I stopped, but then I'd go back to using heavily."
He added, "This is the first time I've said it publicly. Admitting I have an addiction and that it's something I will work on for the rest of my life is a huge step and a major relief."
Taylor entered an in-patient rehab facility in August 2024, shortly after his separation from Cartwright. His team said at the time that he had been open about his mental health challenges and asked for privacy.
Cartwright later shared that Taylor's behavior had become aggressive and that she felt the need to remove their son from the home. She filed for divorce while he was still in treatment, saying it was the right time to move forward.
