DeAnna Pappas, a notable figure from The Bachelorette, has publicly addressed the circumstances surrounding her arrest in February 2025, which took place during a custody exchange with her ex-spouse, Stephen Stagliano.
“After a full investigation and review of video evidence, the assigned detective determined that Ms. Pappas was not the aggressor. No criminal charges were filed,” the statement read.
Furthermore, Pappas’ statement clarified that to prioritize the welfare of their minor children, she voluntarily chose to withdraw a temporary restraining order in pursuit of a cooperative agreement with Stagliano.
Details Surrounding the Incident
The incident occurred on February 26, 2025, during a routine custody handoff at Pappas’ home, specifically in her garage. The former spouses, who share two children — an 11-year-old daughter named Addison and a 9-year-old son named Austin — finalized their divorce in June 2024 after a marriage that spanned 11 years. There were conflicting accounts from each party regarding the events of that day.
Following the incident, Pappas asserted that she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time and promptly underwent testing, which returned negative results. Seeking to maintain her privacy, she has indicated that she will refrain from further public statements as legal proceedings unfold.
Conflicting Accounts and Legal Proceedings
In legal documents, Stagliano accused Pappas of being intoxicated and of assaulting him during the custody exchange. Conversely, Pappas maintains she was attempting to de-escalate a tense situation, emphasizing her sobriety and willingness to cooperate.
“The basis of Respondent’s request is based on his fabrication that I am an alcoholic. This is wholly false and fabricated as a way for the Respondent to gain leverage,” she stated in a court filing.
Stagliano’s mother, Lynn, indicated in her declaration that she detected the scent of alcohol on Pappas during the exchange. However, Pappas refuted these claims, stating that Stagliano entered her garage uninvited and forcibly pushed the door open when she tried to close it. She expressed that she had to insist he leave the premises.
Pappas recounted that tensions rose when she observed Stagliano taking items from the garage, escalating into a physical confrontation during which she alleged he grabbed her before pushing her.
Commitment to Their Children and Legal Action
The spokesperson for Pappas communicated on April 3, 2025, that the decision to drop the temporary restraining order stemmed from a desire to shield their children from further public scrutiny. Both parents had previously agreed upon stipulations in their divorce to avoid disparaging remarks about one another in front of their children and to adhere to responsible alcohol usage during custody periods.
“Any continued attempt to distort facts or interfere with the children’s well-being will be met with the appropriate legal response,” the message read.
The couple currently shares joint custody of their children. Pappas’ spokesperson concluded the statement by urging the public and media to pause further speculation and prevent the dissemination of narratives that could adversely affect the children’s emotional health.
For those interested in the earlier seasons of The Bachelorette, episodes are available for viewing on ABC.