Former 'Bachelorette' Contestant Arrested Again in Texas

James McCoy Taylor faces new assault charges after missing court-ordered payments from a 2024 case.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 7:38am

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James McCoy Taylor, a former contestant on the reality TV show 'The Bachelorette', has been arrested again in Texas on assault charges. Taylor was previously arrested in 2024 for assaulting a 19-year-old college student, and was ordered to perform community service, pay fines, and attend anger management classes. However, court records show Taylor missed court-ordered payments, leading to his re-arrest.

Why it matters

This latest arrest continues a troubling pattern of violence and legal issues for former 'Bachelorette' contestants, raising concerns about the show's vetting process and accountability for participants' actions. It also comes on the heels of the recent cancellation of the latest 'Bachelorette' season due to domestic abuse allegations against the star.

The details

According to reports, Taylor, 39, was charged with assault causing bodily injury and unlawful restraint in connection with a 2024 incident involving a 19-year-old college student at Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. After pleading guilty in 2025, he was ordered to perform community service, pay fines, and attend anger management classes. However, court records show he missed court-ordered payments, leading to his re-arrest on Friday in Brazos County, Texas.

  • In 2024, Taylor was accused of assaulting a 19-year-old college student.
  • In April 2025, Taylor pleaded guilty to the 2024 charges.
  • Last week, ABC canceled the latest season of 'The Bachelorette' due to domestic abuse allegations against the star.

The players

James McCoy Taylor

A 39-year-old former contestant on the reality TV show 'The Bachelorette' who has been arrested multiple times on assault charges.

The Bachelorette

A popular ABC reality TV dating show that has faced increasing scrutiny over the behavior of its contestants.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow James McCoy Taylor to be released on bail.

The takeaway

The repeated legal troubles of former 'Bachelorette' contestants like James McCoy Taylor underscore the need for reality TV shows to implement more rigorous screening and accountability measures to ensure the safety of both participants and the public.