Jesse James and Bonnie Rotten Appear Together at Auto Auction Following Assault Arrest

Jesse James and his wife, Bonnie Rotten, were seen together at the Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach Auction this past weekend. The public appearance comes just over a month after Rotten was arrested for allegedly assaulting James. The couple appeared amicable during the event, which took place from April 16 to 18 in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Details

The couple was spotted at the South Florida Fairgrounds, where they were filmed cruising in a vintage vehicle and smiling. At one point, James and Rotten appeared on stage together during the auction bidding process. While observers noted there was no public display of affection, the pair did not appear hostile toward one another.

The event coincided with the sale of James' 1949 Mercury Custom Coupe, known as the 'Oxblood Outlaw,' which was listed as Lot 760 and sold with no reserve.

This sighting follows a volatile period for the couple. On March 15, 2026, Bonnie Rotten, born Alaina James, was arrested in Hays County, Texas, on charges of assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Jesse James reported to police that Rotten had struck him multiple times in the face and bitten his right thumb. Law enforcement officials documented visible injuries, including dark red marks on James' neck and near his right eye.

Following the arrest, a judge imposed strict bail conditions on Rotten around March 18, 2026. The court order explicitly prohibited Rotten from threatening or assaulting James, with the warning that any violation could result in jail time.

Context

James, 56, the founder of West Coast Choppers and star of 'Monster Garage,' married Rotten, 32, in June 2022. The relationship has been characterized by repeated instability; the couple has filed for divorce multiple times, most recently in January 2025, though those filings were subsequently dismissed. They share a son, Bishop, born in June 2023.

Domestic volatility has been a recurring theme in the marriage. In 2024, both parties sought temporary restraining orders against each other. Court documents have detailed previous allegations of violence, including claims that Rotten had previously attempted to break James' finger and caused a broken wrist by kicking him from behind.

Despite the legal turmoil, the couple has frequently attempted reconciliation. Immediately following her March arrest, Rotten described the incident as an 'unfortunate situation,' stating that she and James love each other and are seeking professional help.

What's Next

The couple's current status remains precarious as they navigate the legal aftermath of the March assault charge. While their appearance at the Barrett-Jackson auction suggests a temporary truce, the presence of a court-mandated no-threat order indicates that legal oversight remains in place.

It remains unclear if the criminal charges against Rotten will proceed or if the couple's attempts at reconciliation will lead to a dismissal of the case. The public is likely to monitor their future appearances for signs of further instability or a permanent resolution to their domestic conflicts.