Ex-Bachelor Star Victorious in Paternity Fraud Case

Clayton Echard, formerly of "The Bachelor," is pursuing accountability after a legal battle concerning false paternity claims led to criminal charges against his accuser, Laura Owens.

Owens, an Arizona resident, has been charged with several felonies, including fraud, forgery, and perjury, for allegedly falsifying medical records to claim she was pregnant with Echard's children. She has pleaded not guilty.

The case gained public attention in August 2023 when an anonymous woman filed court documents alleging Echard was the father of twins due in February 2024. Echard vehemently denied these claims, stating he had only been intimate with Owens once while under the influence of marijuana.

Echard provided evidence of scheduling and paying for a paternity test, contrary to Owens's claims that he refused. He later revealed on Instagram that similar accusations had been made by Owens against other men.

Paternity test results in October 2023 showed little to no fetal DNA, a finding that Owens disputed. The paternity trial concluded on June 18, 2024, with the court siding with Echard. The ruling stated Owens knowingly presented false claims and violated court orders.

Court documents revealed Owens admitted to altering test results and using an old sonogram from a YouTube video. The court recommended further investigation into Owens's pattern of behavior, leading to her arrest in January 2025.

Owens's attorney stated they are reviewing evidence and may consider a plea agreement in the coming weeks. If no deal is reached, her trial is scheduled for July. Echard has shared his story on a podcast to prevent similar incidents.