“The Bachelorette” alum DeAnna Pappas’ ex-husband Stephen Stagliano is pushing back against claims that he is withholding money from her.
Last week, Pappas, 44, accused Stagliano, 42, of taking $109,000 out of his retirement account before giving her the half she was awarded in their 2024 divorce agreement, according to documents obtained by USA TODAY. In a May 26 response to the reality star’s request that he pay her the six-figure sum plus interest, Stagliano denied intentionally concealing any assets.
“The withdrawals I made from the retirement rollover accounts were used primarily for living expenses, support obligations, and business operational expenses during a period of severe financial hardship after leaving Riot Games,” he said, adding: “At the time of these withdrawals, I did not believe nor was I aware that I was violating the Court’s orders or acting improperly.”
Stagliano said he has faced “significant hardship” since the separation
Stagliano claimed he lost his job, which put him in a difficult financial position. Still, he said that he has “continued making spousal support payments while actively seeking employment and attempting to maintain financial stability.”
“I am currently in substantial financial distress. I do not possess the financial ability to pay the punitive sanctions and attorney’s fees requested,” he wrote in the filing.
He concluded by asking the court to “consider my actions in the context of misunderstanding and financial hardship rather than intentional misconduct.”
Pappas, Stagliano split after 12 years of marriage and 2 children together
Pappas and Stagliano finalized their divorce in 2024, reaching a settlement that awarded Pappas $2,000 per month in child and spousal support. It also stated 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.”In 2025, Pappas was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident in which she was the aggressor while drunk. She later said she voluntarily participated in drug and alcohol testing and denied being an alcoholic.
Pappas also filed for a temporary restraining order against Stagliano, according to records reviewed by USA TODAY, which she later withdrew.