Former contestant of The Bachelorette James McCoy Taylor has been arrested in Texas and charged with assault. The 38-year-old reality television alum was taken into custody on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at College Station Police Department after being arrested on warrants issued in relation to an incident that occurred in April, according to The US Sun.
More from CafeMom: 'Teen Mom' Jenelle Evans' Ex, Nathan Griffith, Is Facing a Maximum of 15 Years in Prison
He's accused of assaulting a teenager.
Taylor was accused of meeting a 19-year-old college student at a bar, bringing her back to his home, and allegedly assaulting her and refusing to let her leave, per the outlet. He reportedly told police that the interaction between him and the woman was "enjoyable and consensual."
Taylor says he wouldn't hurt anyone.
In a statement that was shared with People, Taylor said that there was "not so much as a scratch on me (as I showed to police via pictures of my whole body which was awkward to say the least)," after the alleged incident. "I'm a pretty big guy but I was trying to 'unlawfully restrain' a girl and she just … got away? And walked right to her Uber right outside my house? With NO injuries? Trust me, if there were ANY injuries they’d be all over the internet."
More from CafeMom: 12 Celebs Who've Dated Bachelor Nation Stars
He alludes to thinking the girl made the claims for attention.
"To people reading this: If you want fame, it never ends up like that. If you want money, it never ends up like that," the singer continued. "If you want to ruin my life, it always ends up like that… keep it up," he continued. "I would never hurt anybody. I’m nice to EVERY person I meet."
Taylor wants to know where the assault claims came from.
"I don't know the daughter's name because we didn't spend much time together but I feel like she wouldn't want all this to have gotten here either if she could go back," he said. "And I don't hate you either. I just wish I knew where you were coming from and where this came from."
The accuser had a different story.
The accuser, on the other hand, had a different understanding of how things happened. KBTX reported that upon getting back to Taylor's home, the two kissed but she got uncomfortable and changed her mind after he got "very serious and intense" and "got a look on his face that frightened her."
Police don't believe Taylor was being truthful about the incident.
The arrest report continues to say that Taylor forcibly kissed the young woman, threw her to the ground, got on top of her, and groped her private area. However, he denied any allegations of assault.
Police made a note in their probable cause affidavit that they failed to believe Taylor was being honest about what happened, per KTBX. He was released on $8,000 bail.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual assault, the National Sexual Assault Hotline provides confidential 24/7 support. Call 800-656-HOPE (4673) or chat online at RAINN.
