Clayton Echard’s paternity scandal explained

Clayton Echard, former manager Bachelor, seems to have lived many lives since his reality TV debut, including an intense paternity suit. Clayton joined in the spotlight Bachelorette season 18 with Michelle Young and was cast in the main role Bachelor shortly after. Since then, Clayton has tried to rebuild his reputation and has succeeded in many ways. An example of how he has turned things around is Clayton’s career as a real estate agent. Clayton is also a mental health advocate and speaker specializing in children and teenagers.

Most recently, Clayton has been consumed by a woman’s paternity case, which she brought to light in the summer of 2023. A woman named Laura Owens claimed that she was pregnant with twins and Clayton is the father. However, since it’s been well over ten months since the news broke, and there are no twins, it’s safe to say that the woman cheated on Clayton.

Clayton’s side of the story explained

He denied the claims

In one episode Viall files podcast with Nick Viall earlier this year, Clayton told his whole story from the beginning. It started when Laura, whom he did not name at the time, first contacted him about a real estate deal. They were once intimate, but Clayton insists they were not sexually involved. Soon after, he sent her a picture of a positive pregnancy test and claimed he was the father.

After admitting that he was not willing with the parents, Thebachelor alum claims the woman said she would have an abortion, but only if she agreed “only dating for two weeks.” Clayton alleges that this person then sent a fake ultrasound video as proof of the pregnancy, making him more skeptical. At this point, he said he sent three paternity tests to be checked so he didn’t get a definitive answer.

Two tests came back as “little or no fetal DNA” and the other was lost in transit. Clayton also told the hosts that he learned of the 2018 and 2021 lawsuits in which this same woman accused other men.one of which was “eerily similar” a paternity suit where he claims to be the father of her twins.

Where Clayton stood with his paternity suit in early 2024

He didn’t want her to win

Clayton has had ups and downs with Laura as they tossed court requests back and forth for nearly a year. If Laura was telling the truth, she would have already given birth. Clayton noted in a podcast episode that twins often don’t come full term and that if she’s really pregnant, she’ll probably give birth soon.

The former reality star said that she is mentally ill “in the best place he’s ever been” while he waited for this to be resolved. Clayton said he’s working to make sure this woman doesn’t get away with thisnot just for him, but so he can’t do this to anyone else.

Why did Clayton get so much backlash for his response to the allegations?

The fans weren’t completely on his side at first

When Clayton got his first paternity test results, he jumped on Instagram to share the news with excitement. Like E! shared at the time, Clayton posted a video saying, “Let’s go baby!” and “Thankfully, five months of torture can finally be put to rest.” His followers rushed to remind him that if these children were born and were his, it would be quite hurtful to them to see their father celebrate his separation from them.

The lawsuit is finally over for Clayton

Clayton won the paternity suit

On the 18th of June Clayton confirmed on his Instagram that the court had been served on his behalf. He revealed that “The court awarded us legal costs on the basis that Laura Michelle Owens made the entire pregnancy claim.” What does this mean The court believes that Laura made up her pregnancy story and has convicted Clayton of her suffering. The trial took place in Arizona, and Judge Julia Ann Mata agreed with Clayton because Laura knowingly made a false claim about her pregnancy and “violated a court order compelling disclosure or disclosure“, according to court documents filed by him People.

Judge Mata found that Laura acted too quickly with regard to the paternity claims, because she did not provide genuine ultrasounds, sound images or other information. had to find out if she was pregnant. At best, his appeal was “premature“and at worst”fraudulent.” They also realized that Laura had done this before, even getting the courts involved. In Clayton’s Instagram post, she also revealed that Laura has now been “county prosecutor as criminal prosecutor“, so he can get some more research because he tends to do this.

While Clayton is relieved that this issue is over, he wants fans to refrain from any malicious comments towards Laura. As a mental health advocate, Clayton doesn’t want this to cause Laura any harm, but is glad she’s taking a step toward positive change. As for Clayton, he’s happy to have this paternity suit behind him.

Sources: The Viall Files, Clayton Echard/Instagram, Nick Viall/Instagram, E!, Clayton Echard/Instagram, people