DeAnna Pappas Seeks Restraining Order Amidst Allegations of Altercation and Alcoholism
Former "The Bachelorette" star DeAnna Pappas has initiated legal proceedings against her ex-husband, Stephen Stagliano, by filing for a restraining order following a heated altercation that led to her arrest in Los Angeles County. The incident, which occurred in Santa Clarita, California, on February 27, resulted in Pappas’ arrest on a misdemeanor charge. She was subsequently released later that day after posting a $20,000 bond, according to official arrest records.
The temporary restraining order, formally requested on Friday, mandates that Stagliano, aged 41, maintain a distance of at least 100 yards from Pappas until a scheduled hearing date on March 27. Court documents obtained by USA TODAY detail the allegations made by Pappas, 43, who claims that Stagliano accused her of being an alcoholic and refused to leave her residence on the day of her arrest.
Pappas further alleges that Stagliano physically shoved her during an attempt to close her garage door while demanding he leave. "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," Pappas stated in a Monday filing. "Stephen then took his hands, grabbing me, and then forcefully shoved me. He pushed me back again."
USA TODAY has reached out to the legal representatives of both Pappas and Stagliano for their respective comments on the matter.
According to Pappas, law enforcement officers informed her upon arrival that Stagliano had reported a domestic violence incident, alleging that she was the aggressor while under the influence of alcohol. Following her release on bail, Pappas asserts that she voluntarily underwent drug and alcohol testing and vehemently denies any claims of alcoholism.
"This is wholly false and fabricated as a way for the Respondent to gain leverage in his attempt to alienate the children from me," Pappas stated in an opposition to an ex parte application filed by Stagliano. "I am not an alcoholic."
Supporting Stagliano’s claims, his mother, Lynn Stagliano, stated in a declaration that she "very clearly smelled alcohol on DeAnna’s breath" while picking up their 9-year-old son on February 26, the morning before the arrest.
Pappas claims that Stagliano insisted on getting close to her to smell her breath to ascertain whether she was intoxicated, court records show. She said that after ignoring her ex-husband’s comment, she headed to the garage, where he followed her and the altercation ensued while their 11-year-old daughter was still inside his vehicle with the engine running. She also alleged she saw Stagliano stealing from the garage.
Illisa Gooden, a friend and neighbor of Pappas, provided a witness statement attesting to Stagliano’s presence creating "an uncomfortable and distressing environment" and causing a "psychologically tormenting effect on DeAnna."
Pappas and Stagliano publicly announced their separation in January 2023 after 11 years of marriage, according to magazine In Touch Weekly. Their divorce was finalized in June 2024.
The former couple shares two children: 11-year-old daughter Addison and 9-year-old son Austin.
The divorce agreement between Pappas and Stagliano includes a specific clause regarding alcohol consumption during custody periods. It states that "neither party shall drink alcohol in excess of the legal limit during their custody periods, or have a child and/or children in their custody and control when being intoxicated."
The legal battle between Pappas and Stagliano appears to be escalating, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between the former couple. The restraining order request highlights the tense and potentially volatile situation between them, raising concerns about their co-parenting relationship and the well-being of their children.
The upcoming hearing on March 27 will be a crucial moment in determining the validity of Pappas’ claims and the extent to which Stagliano will be restricted from contacting her. The court will likely weigh the evidence presented by both sides, including witness statements, test results, and any other relevant information, to make a fair and informed decision.
The involvement of law enforcement and the allegations of domestic violence further complicate the matter, potentially leading to further investigations and legal ramifications for both parties. The outcome of the legal proceedings will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the lives of Pappas, Stagliano, and their children, underscoring the complexities and challenges that can arise in post-divorce relationships.
