Another day, another reality TV contestant scandal. Just two days after uncovering the sexual misconduct past of "For Love Or Money" bachelor Rob Campos, The Smoking Gun reported today that Donnell Langham, age 21 and currently appearing in MTV's "Road Rules: South Pacific," was arrested last July for assault and battery after allegedly striking his teenage girlfriend and throwing her to the ground and dragging her several feet.
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According to a police report, cops saw "significant bruising" on 5' 3" Erin Soper's "arms, back, and legs." As a result of the incident, a District Court judge signed a restraining order barring Langham, 5' 6", 200+ pounds, from contacting or going near the girl. Months after the incident, Langham was tabbed for the 12th installment of MTV's popular "Road Rules" show, which premiered on May 26, 2003. In April, weeks after filming ended and Langham returned to Massachusetts, he was again arrested for assaulting Soper as well as violating the July 2002 protection order. Langham is scheduled to face trial this summer on both misdemeanor cases and could face a maximum of two-and-a-half years in jail if convicted.
In an interview with The Smoking Gun, Langham said he told "Road Rules" producers that he had a rap sheet at the time of his casting and that "they said nothing." Langham denied assaulting Soper and said she suffered no injuries --despite the police report stating otherwise. Despite the incidents, Langham says he is still dating Soper, although their relationship is "dysfunctional." But he acknowledged that one motive for staying together was to boost his chances at trial: "I kinda gotta also be with her to drop the charges. After this is all over I'm done with her." What a guy...
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