On August 12, Seth Rogen openly criticized Jax Taylor during an appearance on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, addressing Taylor’s troubling behavior and the defense he received from Janet and Jason Caperna. Rogen’s comments came immediately after the third and final reunion episode of The Valley’s second season, where tensions surrounding Taylor were prominently discussed.
Rogen Highlights Defensiveness Toward Taylor Despite Controversy
During the discussion, Rogen pointed out the apparent inconsistency in how the Capernas defended Taylor while being critical of another cast member, Danny Booko. He argued that despite Taylor’s outwardly abusive behavior, some supporters seem unwilling to call him out.
“It seems like they have a real vendetta against Danny [Booko]—Jason and Janet—yet are very defensive of Jax and very much advocates of Jax, who is outwardly abusive, if you ask me,”
Rogen said.
“It seems odd to draw a line in the sand when it comes to Danny, yet be so outwardly defensive of Jax, who is appalling, in my opinion.”
Jax Taylor’s Struggles with Addiction and Domestic Issues
Earlier this year, Taylor revealed that he had gotten sober after battling a cocaine addiction for over 20 years, a storyline explored in the early episodes of The Valley’s second season. Taylor’s absence for much of that season was due to seeking treatment at a mental health facility after a violent outburst involving his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright. This incident led Cartwright to threaten full custody of their son unless Taylor pursued help.
Despite his treatment, Taylor allegedly continued to send angry text messages to Cartwright and monitored her through security cameras. Following public backlash over his behavior both on and off camera, Taylor decided not to return for the next season of The Valley.
Rogen Expresses Disapproval of Taylor’s Continued Presence on Television
Seth Rogen made it clear he does not support Taylor’s ongoing television career, calling his presence toxic and attention-seeking. He believes Taylor should no longer be given a platform to display harmful conduct.
“Jax is so toxic at this point, and he’s such a narcissist that craves attention, [so] it seems wrong to give it to him by allowing him to be on television,”
Rogen stated.
Reflecting on Past Impressions of Jax Taylor
Despite his current harsh assessment, Rogen recalled that he once saw Taylor in a more positive light. About a decade ago, during a collaboration with the Vanderpump Rules cast on The Night Before, Rogen praised Taylor’s acting ability and improvisational skills, though he now perceives those traits as connected to Taylor’s compulsive lying and substance abuse.
“Jax was an amazing actor. He was truly incredible,”
Rogen admitted.
“Now, years later, I’m like, ‘Oh, it’s because he’s a compulsive, lying sociopath.’ But it translated into an incredible ability to improvise on the spot. Even at the time, I was like, ‘I think this guy’s on cocaine.’ Time will tell that he was.”
Looking Ahead: The Impact of the Controversy on Reality TV
Rogen’s denunciation of Jax Taylor highlights ongoing concerns about the behavior and accountability of reality television stars. With Taylor stepping away from The Valley following his personal and legal issues, the show’s dynamic may shift significantly in future seasons. These developments also underscore broader conversations about the consequences of toxic conduct in the public eye and whether networks should continue to provide platforms for such figures.
Watch What Happens Live continues to air Sunday through Thursday at 10 p.m. ET on Bravo, with episodes available the following day on Peacock.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, help is available 24/7 through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or by texting START to 88788.
