Jesse James and Bonnie Rotten‘s tumultuous relationship has played out in the public eye since they started dating in 2021.
Before his relationship with Rotten (whose real name is Alaina Hicks), James was married multiple times. He was married to Karla James for over a decade before their 2002 split. James later found love with Janine Lindemulder, and they were together from 2002 to 2004.
James’ most high-profile romance was with actress Sandra Bullock, to whom he was married from 2005 to 2010. The TV personality moved on with Alexis DeJoria in 2013. After their split, he met Rotten, and they publicly documented their relationship.
“This sweet amazing man completes me and makes me so happy I just have to say I’m so thankful for a partner who not only supports me but challenges me to be my best self,” the model, who has a daughter from a previous relationship, wrote via Instagram in April 2024. “Thank you for being on board with all I want to do, you’re a great husband and a wonderful dad! But also, an awesome best friend! I sure love you! ♥️.”
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James and Rotten got married in 2022 and welcomed a son, Bishop, one year later.
“June twenty fifth! A very special date in our household because not only is it our 2 year wedding anniversary but we get to celebrate Bishops life every year at the same time. 2 people that came together in love to create 3,” Rotten reflected via Instagram in June 2024. “I love you so much @popeofwelding thank you for being the man of my dreams and the best dad and husband I could hope for our little guy to grow up and look to as an example.”
Throughout their relationship, Rotten made headlines when she filed for divorce multiple times. Rotten and James both submitted paperwork to end their marriage in November 2024. The estranged couple requested temporary restraining orders and accused each other of domestic abuse.
“For the safety and well-being of our child, I will not engage in litigating this matter in the press,” Rotten said in a statement at the time. “I trust the legal process to address these issues appropriately and respectfully ask for privacy during this time.”
Keep scrolling to relive James and Rotten’s relationship:
2021
James and Rotten started dating amid his divorce from DeJoria.
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June 2022
After one year of dating, James and Rotten got married. Rotten filed for divorce five months later and accused James of cheating on her.
“The past week has been a pretty terrible week on all accounts … I mistakenly posted my private business between my husband and I on social media,” Rotten wrote via Instagram at the time.
“Yes I filed for divorce … the next day I filed a non suit to stop the divorce. I love Jesse so much and was very hurt by what I saw when I went through his phone. In his defense and the reason I am back home is that he didn’t say anything inappropriate,” Rotten explained at the time. “He didn’t talk about ‘having Sєx or meeting up with anyone.’ That’s why I am here working out the marriage that I believe in. Everything was blown out of proportion to a degree that it didn’t need to go.”
She added: “I would like to have peace in this time as I work on my relationship with my husband. There’s nothing more to it. I’m pregnant and I would like to be able to focus on that without the stress of the outside world making it more difficult to have a healthy pregnancy.”
Rotten withdrew her peтιтion days later and refiled again that same week.
June 2023
Courtesy of Alaina James/Instagram
After quietly reconciling, James and Rotten expanded their family with son Bishop.
“With all the mistakes and wrong things I have done in my life. I’m not sure what I could’ve possibly done to deserve this sweet son and his Amazing mom, my wife,” James wrote via Instagram at the time. “God really does have a way of showing us what’s really important. And why we are here.”
April 2024
Courtesy of Alaina James/Instagram
“Happy birthday to my one and only @popeofwelding,” Rotten wrote via social media alongside pH๏τos of James. “I know you aren’t big on birthdays but I will never stop celebrating you! I’m just so excited all the time about you! I love you so much, thank you for being my rock and my confidant! Our kids have such a special man in you. I hope today is special as can be.”
June 2024
Courtesy of Alaina James/Instagram
Rotten celebrated James on Father’s Day, writing via Instagram, “We love you so much and we are so thankful for you! You work so hard everyday to not only provide the best life for us but to give us an example of what to look to as a hard working dedicated husband and father who we will always be able to depend on no matter what.”
She continued: “Dependable, strong, loving, gentle, kind and responsible are all words we can use to describe you @popeofwelding. I love you so much and am so thankful to be on this ride with you! ♥️ hope you have the best 1st daddy’s day with our guy!”
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September 2024
Courtesy of Alaina James/Instagram
“Had a great date night @boasteakaustin w the man @popeofwelding was so nice to spend adult time together with out the kids! As much as we love them we need our time too. 👀😂,” Rotten captioned an Instagram pH๏τo of her and James. “Do you ever just miss your spouse so much it makes you mad? Well same. 😂.”
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October 2024
Courtesy of Alaina James/Instagram
The last public post of the pair was when they celebrated Halloween with their son. Rotten referred to their family as the “perfect little farm,” adding via Instagram, “Happy Halloween everyone, be safe and enjoy the kiddo costumes they are my absolute favorite 🥹!”
November 2024
James and Rotten both filed to end their marriage amid allegations of domestic abuse. In his paperwork, James claimed that Rotten tried to attack him and break his finger. On another occasion, he accused her of poking a hole in his neck with her fingernail. He also claimed that Rotten kicked him from behind, breaking his wrist and dislocating his thumb.
Rotten responded to James’ allegations against her by calling them “part of his ongoing attempt to manipulate and gaslight” her. The former adult film star claimed that James got physical with her during their relationship, including once slapping her in the face. She also accused him of punching her in the throat during a separate incident.
