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DeAnna Pappas Addresses Recent Arrest Following Domestic Incident
Former Bachelorette star DeAnna Pappas has released a statement addressing her recent arrest. The reality television personality’s representatives issued the communication amid swirling speculation regarding a domestic dispute with her former spouse, Stephen Stagliano.
Legal Team Clarifies Incident Details
“On behalf of our client, Deanna Pappas, we wish to address recent public conjecture and clarify the prevailing legal circumstances pertaining to an incident involving her former partner,” declared a statement shared via Pappas’ Instagram Stories early Thursday, April 3. “Following a thorough investigation and review of video evidence, the assigned detective concluded that Ms. Pappas was not the aggressor. Consequently, no criminal charges were filed in connection with the matter.”
Focus Shifts to Children’s Well-being
“In the best interest of the minor children, Ms. Pappas voluntarily withdrew a temporary restraining order to facilitate a cooperative agreement. This decision was made to shield the children from protracted conflict and undue public attention,” the statement further explained. “Any future attempts to misrepresent facts or interfere with the children’s welfare will be met with appropriate legal action. Ms. Pappas remains dedicated to safeguarding her children from additional trauma and upholding their legally recognized right to privacy.”
Request for Media Restraint
The statement concluded with a plea, “We respectfully request that the media abstain from further speculation and avoid the dissemination of narratives that may negatively impact the emotional well-being of the children involved. This matter is proceeding appropriately through the legal system, and Ms. Pappas will refrain from making further comment at this juncture.”
Details of the February Altercation
Pappas’ arrest stemmed from an altercation with her former husband, Stephen Stagliano, in February. According to court documents obtained by news outlets, the incident unfolded on February 26 when Stagliano arrived to collect their 11-year-old daughter, Addison. (The former couple also share a 9-year-old son, Austin.)
In a declaration filed by Lynn Stagliano, purportedly Stephen’s mother, Pappas alleged, “Stephen instructed me I needed to approach him more closely as he wanted to smell my breath to ascertain if I had been drinking. I had not consumed any alcoholic beverages. I disregarded Stephen’s remark and proceeded back into the garage. I then detected a sound behind me and turned to observe Stephen following me into my garage.”
Pappas further recounted, “Addison had been left unattended in his vehicle with the engine running. I attempted to close my garage door. Stephen forcibly pushed my garage door upwards to prevent it from closing. I yelled at Stephen to vacate my garage, but he refused to leave.”
The former television personality reportedly went inside and secured her door. However, Pappas purportedly returned outside after hearing noises emanating from her garage. She stated that Stephen was removing items from the garage, prompting her to confront him.
“Stephen then used his hands to grab me and forcefully shoved me. He pushed my back again,” she asserted, adding that Stephen subsequently contacted law enforcement. “Fearing he would inflict harm upon me, I immediately returned inside the house and locked the door while awaiting the arrival of the police.”
Upon police arrival, Pappas was informed that Stephen had accused her of intoxication and was pressing charges against her for domestic violence. (According to the filing, Lynn Stagliano had visited Pappas’ residence earlier that day to pick up Austin and claimed to detect the odor of alcohol on her breath.)
“Stephen informed the Sheriff that I was the instigator who assaulted him, which was untrue,” she contended. “At no point was I asked to undergo alcohol testing despite Stephen’s accusations. Indeed, the arresting officer displayed no indication of believing I was intoxicated in any manner.”
Arrest and Subsequent Release
Pappas was arrested on a misdemeanor charge on February 27. She was released on the same day after posting $20,000 bond. Pappas stated that she voluntarily submitted to drug testing following her release and purportedly tested negative. In legal documents, Pappas refuted Stephen’s allegations concerning a drinking problem.
“The foundation of [Stephen’s allegations] is based on his fabrication that I am an alcoholic,” she declared. “This is entirely false and fabricated as a means for [Stephen] to gain an advantage in his endeavor to alienate the children from me.”
Restraining Order Filed
Following the February incident, Pappas filed a restraining order against Stephen on March 7, according to reports. A hearing date is scheduled for later this month.
DeAnna Pappas’ Bachelor Nation History
Bachelor Nation first encountered DeAnna Pappas during Brad Womack’s season of The Bachelor in 2007. Pappas subsequently starred in season 4 of The Bachelorette in 2008. She offered her final rose to Jesse Csincsak, and the couple became engaged. However, they separated less than a year later.
Pappas later connected with Stephen through his brother, Michael Stagliano, who appeared on season 5 of The Bachelorette. Pappas and Stephen married in October 2011. In January 2023, they announced their separation after 12 years of marriage, culminating in the recent domestic incident and subsequent legal statements.