Andy Cohen Says 'It's a Good Decision' Jax Taylor Has Decided to Leave The Valley

Taylor announced his departure from the reality series on July 16

Jax Taylor (left) and Andy Cohen.

Andy Cohen is supporting Jax Taylor's decision to leave The Valley.

On Wednesday, July 16, Taylor announced his intention to step away from the upcoming third season of the reality show, primarily to focus on his sobriety. Cohen, who hosted The Valley's second season reunion, spoke with PEOPLE at Las Culturistas Culture Awards on July 17, and voiced his support for Taylor.

"I think it's a good decision," Cohen tells PEOPLE. "I think he needs to work out s--- without cameras around."

Jax Taylor holding Andy Cohen on his back at a taping of 'Watch What Happens Live'.

Cohen also addressed Taylor's sudden departure on his radio show with SiriusXM, Andy Cohen Live, earlier that day.

He said Taylor seemed "very committed" to prioritizing his sobriety when they spoke at the reunion, and aspects of that journey might be best to work through out of the public eye.

"This comes up at the reunion — 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 Brittany and in the world," Cohen shared. "And I hope he takes the time to lean into this, away from the cameras."

He added, "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 through all of his issues."

Taylor's exit comes nearly a year after he entered an in-patient facility to receive care for his mental health and addiction in August 2024.

Six months prior to that, Taylor had separated from his wife and The Valley cast member Brittany Cartwright. She filed for divorce while Taylor was in the facility.

Jesse Lally (left) and Jax Taylor on 'The Valley'.

In the wake of Taylor's announcement, a source told PEOPLE that his exit from the show left his fellow cast members "absolutely blindsided."

"They were not given any advance notifications about his exit," the source said. "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."

The Valley can be streamed on Peacock. The Las Culturistas Culture Awards airs Tuesday, Aug. 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Bravo and streams next day on Peacock.