notable public events While filming Terminator Salvation in 2009, rumors spread that McG and Bates did not get along. One particular argument allegedly led to Bates walking off set, locking himself in his trailer for hours. Bates later called the filming process a "near death experience."

In 2011, Bates and girlfriend, actress Isabelle Grace, were married for a grand total of eight months. The two later filed for divorce on the grounds of irreconcilable differences. On more than one occasion, police were called to the couple's Malibu home due to domestic disturbance. Isabelle's famous relatives were reportedly unhappy with the union.

In 2013, Bates was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and resisting arrest without violence in the state of Nevada, though the charges were dropped. However, he was instead charged with posession of cocaine. Bates pled guilty to felony drug possession, and in return, his charges were dropped from his record as long as he stayed out of trouble for a year, paid a $2,000 fine, did 200 hours of community service, and completed a drug and alcohol counseling course.