Copyright Us Weekly
Former Bachelorette DeAnna Pappas had her child support reduced to zero after her ex-husband, Stephen Stagliano, told the court he’s driving Uber and is struggling to find another job, Us Weekly can exclusively report. On Monday, October 20, Pappas, 43, her lawyer and Stagliano, 41, appeared at the Superior Court of Los Angeles. The court heard from both parties before ruling that Stagliano will no longer have to pay child support, effective retroactively to May. Stagliano was previously required to pay Pappas $1,000 per month in child support and another $1,500 per month in spousal support, per a March 2024 divorce settlement. In court documents, Stagliano stated he was previously the CEO and founder of a gaming company named Story Games Inc. He said he was unemployed as of April 1 after the company failed to secure additional funding. On September 30, Stagliano told the court, “I am actively looking for a job. I have applied to over 150 jobs in various industries with no success. I drive for Uber to generate income when I can. I have paid $1,500 in Alimony to [Pappas] every single month.” In her filing, Stagliano said he earned $436 last month. He said he had $10,089 in the bank but his monthly expenses totaled $7,437. He said he spends $4,300 on rent, $550 on groceries, $100 on eating out, $450 on utilities and various other bills. In addition, he listed over $36,000 in debt owed on a car and two credit cards. In an April 14 filing, Stagliano told the court, “My financial situation has changed drastically. I am looking for work.” Stagliano said when he agreed to pay Pappas $1,000 per month in support, he was working as a manager at Riot Games, earning $12,750 per month and $175,000 per year, with bonuses, before taxes. He said that after he left Riot Games to start his own company in 2023, his income dropped to around $150,000 per year. “The business I attempted to start was a gaming entertainment studio. I invested significant time and personal resources into this venture. While I made some progress — including building a full-time team, building a prototype, attracting additional early investment interest and launching an audio book — the business did not generate sustainable income due to the gaming market conditions and lack of funding.” He said he made $24,000 in total income in 2024. At the time, Stagliano explained, “I have had two interviews so far and no offers. I am actively networking with industry peers and potential clients and updating my portfolio and resume and tailoring it to roles in gaming, education, sports and entertainment. I am exploring both full-time and contract work opportunities, including coaching soccer and jiu-jitsu just to earn any income i can.” “Despite these efforts, I have not secured a stable or sufficient source of income, which is why I am requesting a modification of child support to reflect my current financial situation,” Stagliano wrote. Pappas opposed her ex’s request to lower his support. In court docs filed by Pappas, she said she was earning over $16,000 per month but lost her job as a flight attendant for a California-based company in June. Pappas continues to seek work as a flight attendant as she works on the new podcast she launched.
