Entertainment
Bachelor Nation’s Clayton Echard addresses the paternity suit win
Clayton Echard
YouTube/ABCClayton Echard is celebrating after his lengthy paternity battle against his accuser Laura Owens came to an end on Tuesday, June 18, when the court sided with the former Bachelor.
“Today is a very, very good day because I woke up and read a very thoughtful opinion from the court and justice is finally being served,” Echard, 31, said on Tuesday, June 18. Instagram video. “While this has been emotionally draining, I want to thank Woodnick’s team of attorneys, my friends and family, and a community that has searched for the truth from the very beginning.”
Echard then thanked media professionals for helping to expose the truth about Owens’ claims.
“To the journalists, some of whom were personally threatened, who persevered to share this incredible story of Laura Michelle Owens falsifying pregnancies and medical records to coerce relationships: you are truth fighters and I am incredibly humbled,” he said. “Thank you for making sure the truth prevails.”
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According to Tuesday’s ruling, Laura Owens knowingly filed a false claim and violated a court order compelling disclosure or discovery, so an award of attorney fees is appropriate. Echard has been granted his plea of non-paternity and will be ordered to pay attorney fees.
The paternity suit began on Monday, June 10, almost a year after Owens, who was not yet named, accused Echard of getting her pregnant with twins after a one-night stand. Echard has repeatedly denied that the couple ever had sexual intercourse. In September 2023, he posted his receipt from a DNA testing company and told fans via Instagram that other men were contacting him with details of similar claims Owens had made against them.
The court noted Owens’ previous claims in Tuesday’s ruling and recommended further investigation into Owens.
“It is further ordered that because the Court finds that Laura Owens exhibits a pattern of similar, if not identical, conduct, and court involvement, and refers this matter to the Maricopa County Prosecutor’s Office for review of Laura Owen’s actions ”, is the statement.
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Echard said he will continue to cooperate with any further investigation into Owens.
“This morning the court officially referred Laura Michelle Owens to the County Attorney for criminal charges. I will of course participate in that, but I will not lose sight of who I am,” he said in the Instagram video on Tuesday. “I’ve had my own problems and I’m now committed to helping others.”
Echard added that it is his “sincere wish that Laura turns over a new leaf and gets the help she needs.” He said he would “be the first to embrace her for making a positive change” and asked his followers to “refrain from comments that could be misinterpreted as harmful” as he discussed the legal victory online.
“That said, the sun is shining a little brighter today,” he concluded the video statement.
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Echard’s lawyer, Greg Woodnickalso celebrated the ruling in a statement Us.
“We are pleased with the outcome and Judge Mata’s thorough ruling,” he said Tuesday. “We hope this is the end of a long story for all the victims.”
Echard was a contestant on season 18 of The Bachelorette in 2021 before leading season 26 of the series The Bachelor next year. He briefly rekindled his romance with his last contestant, Susie Evansafter filming, but the two called it quits in September 2022.
