Jax Taylor’s Behavior in ‘The Valley’ Reunion Showed Classic ‘Warning Signs,’ Said Body Language Expert

Jax Taylor will not return for the third season of The Valley, but he is still playing a major role in the second season’s reunion. The three-part reunion concludes Aug. 12. Taylor’s behavior thus far has been telling, according to a body language expert. She shared the warning signs she gleaned from Taylor’s behavior.

A body language expert analyzed Jax Taylor on ‘The Valley’ reunion

Taylor’s behavior toward his estranged wife, Brittany Cartwright, caused controversy all season. Many fans called for Bravo to fire him. While Taylor claimed he wanted to take accountability for his actions, Joanne Pearson, a Body Language and Deception Detection Expert at British Lie Detector Test, said his behavior told another story.

“Jax repeatedly used dominant language, defensive body posture, and emotional deflection,” Pearson said. “These are all warning signs when assessing truthfulness and emotional manipulation, especially in a relationship setting.”

During the reunion, Taylor told Cartwright that she should trust him. Pearson found this concerning, particularly given Taylor’s tight facial expression, defensive arm placement, and flashes of contempt.

“The word ‘should’ implies blame,” she said. “Instead of validating Brittany’s feelings or taking accountability, Jax redirects the pressure onto her, which is a common tactic used to regain control during confrontation.”

He also repeatedly interrupted other cast members while they spoke. Host Andy Cohen had to step in after Taylor told Zack Wickham to “shut up.”

“Interrupting isn’t just rude — it’s a control tactic,” Pearson said. “It stops others from forming complete thoughts and subtly reinforces dominance.”

Pearson also noted that Taylor’s microexpressions were defensive. He pushed his lips together, clenched his jaw, and appeared to force smiles.

“These gestures show emotional suppression — someone trying to appear calm while their body betrays deeper frustration or discomfort,” she said.

Pearson said that all of these signs can signal problems in a relationship.

“Most people won’t spot these signs unless they know what to look for,” she said. “But they matter because consistent patterns of dismissiveness, blame-shifting, and non-verbal discomfort can indicate deeper relational issues.”

Jax Taylor spoke about his relationship with Brittany Cartwright during the reunion

This season of The Valley followed Cartwright and Taylor through their separation. Taylor even received divorce papers on camera. During the reunion, Cartwright said their relationship is not in a good place. She added that he still constantly starts fights with her. Taylor did not deny it.

“I start these fights because there’s days where I’m like, ‘Yes, we should get divorced because we are toxic,'” he said. “But then there’s days where, you know, we’ll be getting along, and I’m like, ‘Is this the right f***in’ move?’ And I’ll even text her.”

Cartwright said this has added to the stress and pain of their divorce.

“You know how hard that is on me?” Cartwright asked him. “You know how much that messes with my mind? It’s awful.”

Taylor noted that while he didn’t think they were good together, he still felt “confused” about the divorce.

Jax Taylor will not return for the third season of ‘The Valley’

The Aug. 12 episode of The Valley reunion will mark the end of Taylor’s time on the show. He recently announced that he would step away from the reality series.

“After an incredibly challenging year and many honest conversations with my team and producers, I’ll be stepping away from the next season of The Valley,” he said in a statement (per Bravo’s Daily Dish). “Right now, my focus needs to be on my sobriety, my mental health, and coparenting. Taking this time is necessary for me to become the best version of myself — especially for our son, Cruz.”

Many fans have celebrated the news. His castmates have said they think it’s the right move.