Former Bachelorette contestant James McCoy Taylor has been re-arrested in Texas, with authorities confirming the latest development relates to an earlier assault case.
According to online records first reported by EW, James was taken into custody on Friday in Brazos County on charges of assault causing bodily injury and unlawful restraint. The arrest is tied to an alleged incident that took place in April 2024. He was released later the same day after posting a $10,000 surety bond. Officials from the Brazos County Sheriff's Office did not immediately provide further details about the circumstances leading to the re-arrest.
© Getty ImagesJames, who appeared on JoJo Fletcher's season of The Bachelorette in 2016, had previously faced legal consequences related to the same case. In April 2025, he pleaded guilty to assaulting a 19-year-old student from Blinn College.
As part of the court’s ruling, he was ordered to complete 80 hours of community service, pay financial penalties totalling more than $1000, and attend anger management classes. He was also instructed to have no contact with the complainant and was banned from the Northgate Entertainment District near the college, where the incident was reported to have occurred.
© FilmMagicA probable cause statement reviewed by media outlets at the time alleged that James had physically restricted the woman's movements during an altercation at his home. The report claimed she was pushed to the ground and held down using his body weight after attempting to leave. Authorities noted she eventually managed to free herself and exit the property.
James denied the allegations in a statement given shortly after his initial arrest. He argued that the claims were inconsistent with the absence of visible injuries and maintained that he had never harmed anyone.
© Disney General Entertainment ConThe latest arrest marks another chapter in a series of legal issues for the reality TV personality. In 2022, he was convicted on charges including driving while intoxicated and unlawfully carrying a weapon.
James has also been a controversial figure within Bachelor fandom for reasons beyond his legal history. In 2021, he faced backlash after encouraging followers on social media to attend protests in Washington, D.C., ahead of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
© Disney General Entertainment ConHe later clarified he had not travelled to the event, though he claimed federal agents had contacted his family while attempting to confirm his whereabouts.
His re-arrest comes during a turbulent period for the wider Bachelor franchise, with the upcoming season being pulled from ABC after footage of Taylor Frankie Paul appeared online, capturing a dispute between her and ex Dakota Mortensen.
As the legal process continues, further details about James's case – including potential next court appearances – are expected to emerge in the coming weeks.
