Former The Bachelorette star DeAnna Pappas has bravely shared the chilling details of what she describes as one of the darkest nights of her life—spent behind bars following a domestic violence arrest.
In a raw and emotional revelation, the reality television personality recounted the 2013 incident that led to her spending a night in a Los Angeles County jail cell alongside her then-husband, Stephen Stagliano.
A Fateful Argument Escalates
The traumatic event unfolded after what Pappas characterised as a heated argument with Stagliano. Law enforcement was called to the scene, resulting in both parties being arrested—a common procedure in such domestic disputes in California.
'We were arguing, and the police were called,' Pappas explained. 'In the state of California, if the police are called for a domestic violence dispute, they have to take someone away. And that night, it was both of us.'
The Grim Reality of a Jail Cell
Pappas provided a harrowing account of her time in custody, describing the experience as profoundly shocking and dehumanising. She was processed and placed in a cold, unforgiving cell, forced to wear standard-issue prison attire.
'I had to change into the black and white jumpsuit. I had to take everything off. They give you these little slippers, these little foam slippers,' she recalled, emphasising the stark contrast to her everyday life.
The reality star confessed to being utterly unprepared for the environment, stating she was 'so scared' and completely out of her depth amidst the other detainees.
A Turning Point and Moving Forward
While the charges against the couple were ultimately dropped the following day, the experience left an indelible mark. Pappas credits this jarring incident as a significant catalyst for the couple's eventual decision to pursue a divorce in 2014, after nearly four years of marriage.
Now happily remarried and a mother, Pappas has chosen to share her story to shed light on the complex and often misunderstood nature of domestic disputes and the judicial system's handling of them. Her candid reflection serves as a powerful testament to her resilience and growth in the years since the ordeal.
