While promoting the upcoming season of “House of Villains” on “Watch What Happens Live,” Sandoval discussed how Taylor has been doing since the conclusion of Season 2 of “The Valley.”
Article continues below advertisement
Tom Sandoval gives Bravo viewers an update on Jax Taylor
Speaking to Andy Cohen, Sandoval told the Bravo figurehead that even though both men had been fired from “Vanderpump Rules,” he was still in contact with Taylor.
“I’m talking to Jax,” he said. “I talked to Jax last night, yeah.”
According to Bravo’s Daily Dish, Sandoval spoke with the publication in November 2025 about his relationship with Taylor, confirming that he and Taylor talk more than people probably realize.
The couple’s third musketeer, Tom Schwartz, also spoke about Taylor’s recovery process during an episode of his “Detox Retox” podcast.
“I don’t want to speak for him, because I think he’s keeping a low profile. But I will say from what I’ve seen, he’s doing very well,” Schwartz said.
Article continues below advertisement
“He’s very careful about his sobriety,” he added. “And yeah, man, he’s done a lot of work on himself. But I don’t want to say too much because he’s intentionally kept a low profile.”
Article continues below advertisement
Jax Taylor announces departure from ‘The Valley’ after controversial season
Taylor has tried to stay out of the public eye since his controversial second season of “The Valley,” which included his aggressive behavior toward his soon-to-be ex-wife, Britany Cartwright.
Taylor announced her departure from the season shortly after the reunion ended.
“After an incredibly difficult year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I will be stepping down from the upcoming season of The Valley,” the father of one said. “Right now, I need to focus on my sobriety, my mental health, and my co-parenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself, especially for our son, Cruz.”
Article continues below advertisement
Jax Taylor has previously spoken out about his struggles with addiction
Before Season 2 aired on Bravo, Taylor revealed that he had struggled with addiction for two decades.
“I have substance abuse issues, mainly with cocaine. It’s hard to say out loud,” he said before revealing that he has been fighting this battle “since I was 23 and now I’m 45.”
Taylor continued: “There were times when I stopped doing it, but there were times when I put a lot of effort into it.”
The “House of Villains” alum also opened up about how difficult it is to deal with addiction.
“I’ve never said that in my life,” he said. “So come out and say I have an addiction [and] that I have a disease that I have to work on for the rest of my life, that’s really important to me.”
Article continues below advertisement
Taylor’s exit from ‘The Valley’ shocked everyone, including her co-stars
Cohen commented on Taylor’s departure, according to The Blast, and called it a “good decision.”
“I think he needs to train without cameras,” he added.
Meanwhile, some of Taylor’s co-stars were reportedly “blindsided” by the villainous reality star’s departure.
“They were not informed in advance of his departure,” said a source. “Most of the cast was told that filming was going to start at the end of the summer, and they were expecting Jax to be in the new season because as recently as yesterday he hadn’t said otherwise. It’s a huge surprise.”
“The Valley” Season 3 will premiere on Bravo in April 2026
Even though Taylor won’t be involved in the upcoming season of “The Valley,” Bravo fans will see some familiar faces.
In addition to Cartwright, Schwartz will also appear full-time in the next batch of episodes.
In a previous interview, Schwartz said his return “feels like a rebirth in the most organic way.”
“I don’t feel like I’m being cast in a new show, you know what I mean? It’s like they just picked up cameras with another group of friends that I all know and love,” he said.
Schwartz then explained how his storyline in Season 3 of “The Valley” differed from that of “VPR.”
“I’m starting my life again in my 40s, and you can see what that’s like,” he said. “And, also, you get to see me in the beginning of my relationship, which is super intimate.”
