May 13, 2025 bachelor insider
Clayton Echard Speaks Out After Paternity Scammer Is Indicted on Felony Charges & Bachelor Nation Reacts
Opening up.
Bachelor Nation got to know Clayton Echard on Season 18 of “The Bachelorette” and again on Season 26 of “The Bachelor” as the leading man.
For the past few years, Clayton has been facing a paternity scam as a woman falsely claimed the former Bachelor was the father of her child.
After some investigating, Clayton discovered she was a full-time scam artist and that he was the fourth person she’s done this to.
Since then, he’s been working to clear his name and get justice for himself as well as the other three people involved.
Now, Clayton has taken to Instagram to share an update that the paternity scammer has officially been indicted on felony charges.
In a new video, he said, “Justice is finally served! I am absolutely amped to share this news with you all that today, as of I think 20 minutes ago, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell has announced the indictment of Laura Michelle Owens on felony charges related to the paternity scheme.”
Clayton then goes on to list all the charges against Owens and share how it feels to finally close this case.
“This nightmare is over! I am so ready to not have to think about this anymore,” he said. “This is just such a weight lifted off…I have not been this happiest as a weight of two years lifted off my shoulders, of these guys before me, years lifted off their shoulders. It feels good.”
Clayton also shared his thanks in the caption for all the support he’s received over the past couple years.
He wrote, “Thank you all for your continued support in helping me seek justice. It has been a long, tiresome road, but we have reached the end point of where we hoped to be. It’s nothing but celebratory dance moves for the foreseeable future from here on out 🕺”
Fellow Bachelor Nation stars filled the comments with their congratulations for Clayton.
Ben Zorn said, “Damn man, congrats dude!!!” and Nick Viall added his support with the emoji, “🙌”
Austin Ott also chimed in, saying “Let’s gooooo 🙌🏼”
Congratulations to Clayton! We are so happy for him and we’re wishing him all the best as he moves forward into this new chapter.
