Melissa Rycroft has spoken publicly for the first time since her second DWI arrest, saying she has been dealing with mental health struggles and is seeking professional care. In an Instagram post on Tuesday, November 3, she said she felt deeply ashamed and embarrassed, particularly because of the impact on her friends and family.
Rycroft, a former Dancing With the Stars winner, said she had tried to conceal how difficult things had become. She acknowledged that her struggles did not excuse allegedly driving while intoxicated, and said she could no longer manage them alone.
“I’m getting professional care,” she wrote, adding that she hoped to feel like herself again and was working toward being at her best for her family. She also asked people to show her grace and respect her family’s privacy.
Rycroft was arrested on November 1, two months after pleading guilty to a 2025 DWI charge. Records cited in the report list three charges: driving while intoxicated, driving with an invalid license and a collision involving vehicle damage under $200. Police allege she struck an ambulance and drove away before being taken into custody.
Rycroft appeared on the 13th season of The Bachelor in 2009, where she became engaged to Jason Mesnick. She later married Tye Strickland; they have three children together. The source also notes that people in crisis can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for support.
Sources: Us Weekly.