DeAnna Pappas Arrested on Battery Charges Amid Ongoing Custody Dispute

Former reality star DeAnna Pappas, known for her appearance on “The Bachelorette,” was arrested in February on battery charges against her ex-husband, Stephen Stagliano. This arrest has brought to light the ongoing tensions between the former couple, which have escalated following their divorce.

Background of the Incident

Pappas was taken into custody on February 27 in Santa Clarita, California, facing misdemeanor charges. Authorities released her on a $20,000 bond the same day. Reports indicate that the incident involved allegations of alcohol consumption, although Pappas has denied these allegations.

A court hearing is scheduled for March 20, where the matter will be further addressed, highlighting the contentious nature of their post-marital relationship.

Restraining Order Filed

In a significant turn of events, Pappas filed a restraining order against Stagliano shortly after her arrest, demanding that he maintain a distance of 100 yards from her. This action marks a critical step in the ongoing custody battle over their children, 11-year-old Addison and 9-year-old Austin.

The Allegations Unfolded

According to documents reviewed by news sources, Pappas claimed that Stagliano arrived at her residence to pick up their daughter at the time of the incident. Pappas alleges that Stagliano questioned her sobriety, insisting that she walk closer so he could smell her breath. Angered by this, she reportedly chose to ignore his demands and returned to the garage.

Pappas wrote, “I heard noise behind me. I turned around to see Stephen following me into my garage. [Our daughter] had been left alone sitting in his car with the engine running. I tried to shut my garage door. Stephen pushed my garage door upward so that it would not close. I shouted at Stephen to get out of my garage. Stephen refused to leave.”

What transpired next escalated into physical confrontation. She recounted that Stagliano forcefully pushed her, leading her to fear for her safety. In distress, she locked herself inside her home while waiting for police assistance.

Police Report Confirmation

Stagliano called the police around midnight, alleging that Pappas was intoxicated. Based on his assertion, officers arrested her, and she was booked on battery charges. Pappas has since maintained her innocence, stating, “Stephen had told the Sheriff that I was the aggressor who assaulted him, which was false.”

Despite Stagliano’s claims, Pappas noted that law enforcement did not conduct sobriety tests at the time of her arrest. After her release, she voluntarily underwent an alcohol and drug test, yielding negative results.

Family Dynamics and Legal Backdrops

Pappas’ legal troubles stem not only from her recent arrest but also from the ongoing custody arrangements they agreed upon during their divorce proceedings. Stagliano’s mother filed a declaration shortly after Pappas’ arrest, alleging that she detected alcohol on Pappas’s breath when visiting her home to assist with childcare.

Pappas, however, countered these claims by asserting that Stagliano had a history of manipulating their daughter into questioning her sobriety. She accused him of coaching their child to identify alcohol in the home in an effort to alienate her.

Previous Agreements on Alcohol Consumption

Amid their divorce, both parents reportedly agreed to a stipulation prohibiting excessive alcohol consumption during their custody periods. This agreement also includes restrictions on narcotic use when either is responsible for the children.

Personal Reflections and Impact of Divorced Life

Pappas and Stagliano entered into marriage in October 2011, but they announced their separation in June 2023, with their divorce finalized the following year. Reflecting on their decision to part ways, Pappas expressed her sadness on Instagram, stating, “It is with immense sadness that Stephen and I have decided to end our relationship as a couple.”

Despite their differences, both parents remain committed to raising their children together, emphasizing the importance of love in their relationship with Addison and Austin.

The Path Forward

The legal disputes between Pappas and Stagliano depict a growing tension that cannot be ignored. Both the arrest and the restraining order indicate deep-rooted issues that will need resolution in the courts. Pappas’ representative has not commented on the ongoing situation, which continues to unfold.

As the court date approaches, Pappas is likely to face further scrutiny over her allegations and the events that led to her arrest. The community remains watchful as this high-profile case evolves, raising questions about parenting, accountability, and the impact of public scrutiny on personal lives.