When Bam Margera married Melissa "Missy" Rothstein in 2007, millions of MTV viewers tuned in to watch the chaos unfold. Their relationship played out across reality television, capturing the height of Jackass fame, wedding specials, and chaotic public stunts. But what actually happened behind the cameras, and where do they stand today?
The marriage didn't last, and the aftermath involved public struggles, personal reinvention, and separate paths. If you're trying to separate the reality-TV mythology from the actual history of their marriage and divorce, here's the unvarnished breakdown of Missy and Bam Margera.
How Missy and Bam Met
Long before they tied the knot on television, Bam Margera and Missy Rothstein grew up together in West Chester, Pennsylvania. They attended West Chester East High School, where they first crossed paths. Back then, they were part of the same extended social circle, though Bam was already diving headfirst into skateboarding and filming early DIY stunt videos that would soon become Viva La Bam.
After high school, their paths diverged briefly while Bam's career exploded with MTV. Yet, they reconnected in the mid-2000s as Bam's celebrity status reached a fever pitch. Missy was supportive, grounded, and familiar with his hometown roots, making her a comforting constant amid the swirling madness of his newfound fame.
The MTV Wedding and Bam's Unholy Union
In 2006, Bam proposed to Missy on a live radio broadcast, and MTV quickly greenlit a reality series documenting the wedding planning. The show, Bam's Unholy Union, premiered in 2007 and captured the sheer absurdity of their engagement.
The wedding itself took place on February 3, 2007, at the Loews Philadelphia Hotel. It was a massive, star-studded, and chaotic event attended by Jackass cast members, skateboarders, and rock musicians. Cameras documented every absurd detail, from custom tuxedo choices to raucous pre-wedding parties.
While the television edit framed the romance as a rock-and-roll fairy tale, living inside a 24/7 reality TV fishbowl took a heavy toll. Bam's hard-partying lifestyle, heavy drinking, and intense schedule created immediate strain on the newlyweds.
The Reality of the Marriage and Divorce
The marriage faced immense pressure from the start. Bam continued his heavy drinking and wild lifestyle, which he openly documented on television and radio. Missy tried to maintain normalcy, but the cracks in the relationship widened quickly.
By 2009, rumors of separation began circulating. Bam admitted in interviews that they were living in separate cities—with Missy staying in Pennsylvania and Bam spending significant time in California and touring.
In late 2010, the couple officially separated. Their divorce was finalized in November 2012. Despite the split, the divorce was relatively amicable compared to some of Bam's later personal turmoil. Missy largely stepped away from the public eye after the split, choosing privacy over tabloid attention.
Where Are They Now?
Missy Rothstein Today
After the divorce, Missy retreated from television and public life. She didn't chase reality TV roles or attempt to maintain a high-profile celebrity status. She returned to a quiet, private life in Pennsylvania, focusing on personal endeavors away from the cameras and media spotlight.
Bam Margera Today
Bam's life after the divorce took turbulent turns. He struggled publicly with severe alcoholism, mental health challenges, and legal issues over the subsequent decade. His struggles were heavily documented by outlets like Rolling Stone, detailing his exits from the Jackass franchise, family interventions, and ongoing efforts toward rehabilitation and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Missy and Bam divorce?
The primary drivers of the divorce were Bam's ongoing struggles with alcoholism, heavy partying, and the immense strain of living their early marriage on MTV reality television.
Did Missy Rothstein appear in Jackass?
Yes, Missy made appearances in various Bam-related projects, most notably Bam's Unholy Union, Viva La Bam episodes, and Bam Margera Presents: Where the #$&% Is Santa?.
Does Missy have children with Bam?
No, Missy and Bam did not have any children together during their marriage.
Is Missy Rothstein still active on social media?
No. Unlike many reality TV figures from that era, Missy deleted her public social media accounts and chose a completely private life following her divorce.
