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The Bachelor has been on television for more than 20 years. Since its debut, numerous contestants have emerged, including Melissa Rycroft. Sadly, the television personality was recently arrested for allegedly driving while under the influence. Now, her attorney has released a statement.
Melissa, 42, a former Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, appeared on season 12 of The Bachelor in 2009. Her time on the show is notable because the then-bachelor, Jason Mesnick, 49, ended up proposing to her, but later changed his mind. She later competed on and won the 15th season of Dancing with the Stars. She has been married since 2009 and has three children.
According to TMZ, Melissa was arrested on September 23 in the Dallas/Fort Worth area of Texas for driving under the influence. Specific details of her arrest are currently unknown. After being arrested, she remained in custody at the local jail for a reported eight hours. Her release came after she posted a $1,000 bond and committed to a court appearance.
According to the report, her court appearance has not yet occurred. The outlet also reached out to her, but they did not receive a direct comment. However, her attorney did release a statement.
Melissa Rycroft Mugshot. Credit: Southlake Police Department
Her attorney, Bret Martin, said, “I want to remind the public of the fundamental principle of our justice system…every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty. We, as a society, have gotten completely away from this fundamental concept. My Client was arrested on the allegation of Driving While Intoxicated. An arrest is no indication of guilt.”
The statement continued, “It is imperative that we closely examine the circumstances of this case-including the conduct of law enforcement, the toxicology results, and the facts surrounding her arrest-before any conclusions are drawn.”
He then said, “We respectfully request that the media and the public allow the legal process to unfold, and withhold any judgment whatsoever until all of the evidence has been properly analyzed and presented in a court of law.”