What happened with Wes Scantlin and ex-wife Jessica Nicole Smith? 2013 Incident with model explored

Puddle of Mudd singer Wes Scantlin was arrested on March 11, 2025, after an alleged dispute with his girlfriend. Upon reaching the scene in Torrance, Calif., police learned that what initially started as a verbal argument ended up as a physical altercation between the couple.

This is not the singer's first time in such a situation. In May 2013, Wes Scantlin was arrested after he allegedly assaulted his wife, Jessica Nicole Smith. He was charged with domestic violence. The musician was reportedly involved in an altercation with Smith in West Hollywood, prompting a police response.

As per reports, the dispute took place at an unidentified business in the area, where witnesses claimed he tried to forcibly drag her against her will. Authorities arrested him, but he was uncooperative and confrontational during the process.

Wes Scantlin finalized his divorce from model Jessica Nicole Smith on May 21, 2012, after initially filing on November 29, 2011. As part of the settlement, he was to pay $2,500 in monthly alimony. The two had been married since January 2008 before their separation.

In 2019, he spoke to Rock Feed about his work and career. When asked about his advice to people about “girl problems,” Wes Scantlin said:

“Just be careful, be very very very careful and don’t let anybody try to coerce you out of fear or angst or you know, to tie the knot and you know, it’s just, that’s my only advice I could give to anybody that’s gonna be, you know, engulfing themselves and, you know, tying the knot with somebody of it. Whoever has more, loses.”

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Wes Scantlin was released on March 15

Concerning the latest incident, the girlfriend, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly had marks on her skin. Police also found intoxicants with Wes Scantlin. According to People magazine, Scantlin was released on March 15, 2025.

The singer is charged with felony, domestic violence, and possession of a controlled substance, according to an exclusive report by TMZ. He will have to appear for hearings scheduled on March 28 and April 15, 2025.

A similar incident occurred in 2002 when he was arrested following a dispute with his former fiancée, actress Michelle Rubin. Witnesses saw them arguing on the roadside in Piru, California and later reported that he allegedly forced Rubin into a car driven by someone else.

Wes Scantlin was taken into custody and released after posting a $20,000 bail. Speaking about his addiction and mental health issues with Rock Feed, he said:

“Getting a Bible-based Church, you know, just call on God and ask God, thank God for everything that he has ever done for you and call upon him to help you and guide your feet and your mind and everything and soul in the right direction.”

He continued:

“I stressfully am trying to tell people to keep God first place and he is there for you. He will always be there for you. He’s been there for me and I know, he’s real and I don’t want to start crying but he saved my life man, for real.”

In September 2012, Wes Scantlin was arrested in Texas after being removed from a flight. He was charged with public intoxication, which is considered a minor offense similar to a parking ticket.

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