Melissa Rycroft Arrested for DUI

Former reality TV star Melissa Rycroft was detained last week on suspicion of driving under the influence. She was taken into custody in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on September 23 and spent approximately eight hours in jail before posting a $1,000 bond and agreeing to appear in court.

Melissa Rycroft visiting "Extra" at Universal Studios Hollywood. — Melissa Rycroft was booked at a local jail and released after posting bail.

The specifics of her arrest have not been publicly disclosed, and representatives for Rycroft and the Dallas Police Department have yet to comment.

Background and Career Highlights

Rycroft, 42, originally gained fame as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader before appearing on The Bachelor, where she was a contestant on Season 13. She was engaged to Jason Mesnick, but during the finale, Mesnick called off the engagement to pursue a relationship with runner-up Molly Malaney. Rycroft later rekindled her relationship with her ex-husband, Tye Strickland, and the two married in Mexico in December 2020, welcoming three children together. As of December 2024, they celebrated their 15th anniversary.

Melissa Rycroft in Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders uniform. — She performed as a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader and later appeared on Season 8 of “Dancing With the Stars,” finishing third.

Rycroft competed in Season 8 of Dancing With the Stars, partnering with Tony Dovolani and finishing in third place, and returned in 2012 for the All-Stars cast, winning the Mirrorball trophy — a first for Dovolani after 14 seasons. She also hosted Bachelor Pad.