In a revealing episode of *The Valley*, Jax Taylor confronted his co-star Danny Booko about his drinking habits during a dinner celebrating Jax’s completion of 30 days in a mental health treatment facility. The episode aired on June 17, 2025, and showcased the complex dynamics of friendship and accountability among reality stars.
As the dinner unfolded, Jax and fellow cast member Jason Caperna expressed their concerns about Danny’s relationship with alcohol. Jason, in a candid confessional, stated, “Being around a person who is going to get blasted, lie about their alcohol consumption, and gaslight is just a dangerous person to be around.” He further emphasized the irony of Danny’s behavior, suggesting that he should be the one seeking help instead of Jax.
Jax took the opportunity to address Danny directly, stating, “You do have an issue with it, and I’m the last person that should be telling you about whatever. You have been kicked out of my bar a couple of times for these kinds of things.” His comments highlighted a growing concern among the cast regarding Danny’s drinking habits, which have been a recurring theme this season.
In response, Danny vehemently denied any allegations of having a drinking problem, asserting, “I don’t have an issue. This isn’t ruining my life. I rarely even drink.” He even began to question the loyalty of his friends, stating, “My problem isn’t drinking or having too much to drink. It’s people that I consider friends that are attacking me for things that didn’t even happen.” This statement hinted at a deeper rift within the group, as Danny struggled to reconcile his friendships with the criticisms he faced.
Throughout the season, Danny has faced scrutiny over his behavior, including previous incidents where he denied blacking out during a cast trip. His insistence that he was “not even close to being blacked out” at a party for Brittany Cartwright further fueled the debate among the cast about his drinking habits.
Jax, who has openly discussed his own struggles with addiction, seemed to find a sense of relief in shifting the focus onto Danny. In a confessional, he remarked, “I’m just so happy that other people have issues too. It’s not just Jax. All the heat has been on me, and it’s just nice to take a little bit of a break. Thanks, Danny.” This comment underscored the tension and competition that often exists within reality television dynamics.
As the dinner progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly charged, with Danny feeling isolated and questioning his friendships. He expressed disappointment in those he once considered allies, stating, “I’m starting to see who my real friends are at this table, and unfortunately, it’s not Jason and it’s for sure not Jax.” This sentiment reflects the emotional toll that reality television can take on personal relationships, as cast members navigate fame, scrutiny, and the pressure to maintain their public personas.
The episode also highlighted Jax’s commitment to prioritizing his mental health. Earlier in June, he announced a break from social media to focus on his recovery, stating, “I’ve made the decision to stay off social media for the next while to prioritize my mental health and recovery.” This decision reflects a growing awareness among celebrities about the importance of mental health and the impact of public scrutiny on personal well-being.
As the season continues, viewers are left to wonder how the evolving dynamics among the cast will play out. Will Danny confront his drinking habits, or will he continue to deny any issues? And how will Jax’s journey toward self-improvement influence his relationships with his co-stars?
*The Valley* airs on Bravo every Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, and past episodes are available for streaming on Peacock. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, reaching out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) can provide crucial support.