DeAnna Pappas, a notable alumna of The Bachelorette, has revealed her decision to seek a restraining order against her former husband, Stephen Stagliano, in light of a disturbing domestic violence incident. This disclosure, highlighted by Entertainment Weekly on March 11, 2025, describes an altercation that occurred on February 26.
The conflict began when Stagliano came to Pappas’ residence for a scheduled pick-up of their 11-year-old daughter, Addison. According to Pappas, Stagliano’s mother had arrived earlier and claimed to detect “alcohol”on Pappas’ breath. Stagliano later confronted Pappas about these allegations, questioning her sobriety.
In her petition for a domestic violence restraining order, Pappas firmly asserted that she had not been drinking:
“He asked to smell my breath to make sure I was not drunk.”
The situation quickly intensified, resulting in a physical confrontation that led to Pappas’ arrest. She contended that Stagliano had accused her of initiating the violence. Although apprehended, Pappas was released on the same day after posting bond.
Details Surrounding Incident and Arrest
Pappas has elaborated on the troubling events of February 26 in her restraining order application, noting that Stagliano had followed her into the garage, obstructing her efforts to close the door:
“I attempted to shut the garage door again. Stephen used his hand and pushed the garage door upward again so that it would not close,”she declared.
Despite her requests for him to leave, Stagliano allegedly resisted and subsequently “forcefully shoved”her. When law enforcement arrived, he reportedly claimed Pappas was intoxicated and attempted to file charges against her.
“At no time was I requested to test for alcohol despite Stephen’s allegations,”Pappas pointed out.
She further emphasized:
“In fact, the officer that arrested me exhibited no concern that I was at all intoxicated.”
Following her release, Pappas voluntarily underwent drug and alcohol testing, both of which returned negative results. Her restraining order request incorporates references to prior incidents allegedly involving domestic violence dating back to 2016.
History of Allegations and Legal Context
While the restraining order petition mentions incidents from as far back as 2016, the specific circumstances surrounding these occurrences remain undisclosed. Both parties’ legal representatives have yet to respond to inquiries from Entertainment Weekly regarding these matters.
Pappas and Stagliano were married for 11 years before their separation in January 2023, with their divorce finalized in June 2024, according to reports from InTouch Weekly.
DeAnna Pappas first rose to prominence as a contestant on The Bachelor in 2007, later taking center stage in season 4 of The Bachelorette, where she became engaged to Jesse Csincsak, a relationship that ended within a year. She later connected with Stagliano through his twin brother, Michael, who is also a recognized name within Bachelor Nation.
In response to an application filed by Stagliano, Pappas asserted:
“This is wholly false and fabricated as a way for the Respondent to gain leverage in his attempt to alienate the children from me. I am not an alcoholic,”she stated.
Supporting Pappas, a witness statement from Illisa Gooden, her friend and neighbor, conveyed that Stagliano’s presence fostered “an uncomfortable and distressing environment”and had a “psychologically tormenting effect on DeAnna.”
For fans of The Bachelorette, earlier seasons are currently available for streaming on ABC, allowing viewers to revisit the journeys of past contestants in the beloved franchise.