Bachelorette's DeAnna Pappas and Stephen Stagliano Divorce Drama Unfolds
DeAnna Pappas and Stephen Stagliano’s journey together did not culminate in a perpetual state of bliss.
After being married for eleven years, the pair publicly disclosed in January 2023 that their union was drawing to a close.
“It is with profound sorrow that Stephen & I have made the decision to terminate our romantic partnership,” Pappas communicated in a statement shared on Instagram at the time. “We have dedicated considerable effort over a prolonged period — both as a married couple and as individuals — and have reached the conclusion to remain separate. We continue to be devoted parents to our wonderful children.”
Since that announcement, the former spouses have found themselves in legal proceedings, struggling to reach agreements on matters concerning child custody, child support, and other related issues. (In June 2025, Pappas achieved a favorable outcome regarding their custody dispute.)
Bachelorette’s DeAnna Pappas and Stephen's Relationship Timeline
Continue reading to discover more about Stagliano as both individuals endeavor to move forward following their widely reported separation:
Stephen Stagliano Was Introduced to DeAnna Pappas at a Bachelor Nation Gathering
Pappas's initial connection with Stephen occurred in 2009, facilitated by his identical twin brother, Michael Stagliano.
Michael participated as a contestant on the fifth season of The Bachelorette alongside Jillian Harris in 2009. Meanwhile, Pappas was a contestant on the eleventh season of The Bachelor with Brad Womack in 2007, before taking on the role of The Bachelorette lead in 2008.
Pappas and Stephen crossed paths at an event for the 2009 The Bachelorette: The Men Tell All special. They subsequently became engaged in August 2010.
“I was crying, holding his hands, and he presented me with the ring,” Pappas recounted to Us Weekly at that moment. “I simply nodded, indicating, ‘Yes!'”
Stephen Stagliano’s Profession Revealed
Legal documents submitted by Stephen in September 2025 provided insight into his occupation.
In his submission, Stephen stated that he works as an Uber driver. He mentioned dedicating approximately 10-15 hours per week to this role, earning around $22 per hour.
“My sole sources of income consist of unemployment benefits and driving for Uber,” he informed the court. “My most recent payment was $3,750 from Story Games on March 1, 2025.” Stephen had been employed by the video company, which experienced a funding shortage earlier this year.
Stephen Stagliano’s Academic Background
Before entering into matrimony with a figure from Bachelor Nation, Stephen completed his college education, earning a degree in history education and a master’s degree in education.
In September 2025, Stephen asserted that he was encountering difficulties securing employment across various sectors.
“I am actively seeking employment,” he conveyed to the court. “I have applied for over 150 positions in diverse industries without success.”
Stephen Stagliano’s Professional History
According to Stephen’s profile on Story Games’ official website, the entrepreneur previously held positions as a teacher, an international business development manager at ASD Market Week, and an account executive at Nielsen Expositions.
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Stephen Stagliano’s Presence on Social Media
Although Stephen joined X in June 2010, he has not posted anything since May 2020, when he shared a message from Mastercard expressing support for COVID-19 relief efforts.
On Instagram, Stephen’s most recent activity dates back to August 2025, when he posted a quotation about fatherhood. (Stephen shares one son and one daughter with Pappas.)
“Intentional Fathers invest time into their sons,” he wrote on Instagram, including a quote from David Stoop’s book, The Angry Man.
