Clayton Echard Speaks Out After Woman Pleads Guilty in False Paternity Case

Former Bachelor star Clayton Echard says he feels vindicated after an Arizona woman who falsely claimed he fathered her unborn twins pleaded guilty to four felony charges.

Laura Owens pleaded guilty Friday in Maricopa County to two counts of fraudulent schemes and artifices, one count of identity theft and one count of perjury. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Sept. 30.

Owens filed a paternity lawsuit against Echard in 2023, claiming they had a one-night stand that resulted in her pregnancy with twins. Echard denied the claim and said the two had never had sexual intercourse.

A judge later ruled that Owens had knowingly made a false claim without genuine medical evidence, including an authentic ultrasound, sonogram or physical examination. She was eventually indicted on seven felony counts and initially pleaded not guilty.

In a video posted Saturday, Echard said Owens’ guilty plea marked the first time she had taken accountability for the case, which he said had affected him for more than three years. He also said he plans to seek harsher sanctions at her sentencing.

Despite the outcome, Echard said he felt unexpectedly numb after the hearing. He said the experience had taught him resilience and that his healing did not depend on the court’s decision.

“There is more healing in Laura’s redemption than there is in her destruction,” Echard said.

Echard appeared on The Bachelorette before becoming the lead of The Bachelor Season 26. His relationship with Susie Evans ended in September 2022, six months after their season finale.