Skip to main content

Clayton Echard spoke out in court at the sentencing of Laura Owens, the woman who targeted him in a fake pregnancy scheme. 

On Friday, a judge ordered Owens, 35, to spend 30 days in jail and serve seven years probation for falsely claiming that 33-year-old The Bachelor star was the father of her twins, even though she was never actually pregnant. She also made similar claims involving another man.

 “I pleaded guilty to four felonies, and I am profoundly, profoundly sorry for the pain, distress and expense that I’ve caused them,” Owens said at her sentencing.

Related

Clayton Echard’s College Teammates Called the Future ‘Bachelor’ Star a Horrible Nickname That Contributed to His Body Dysmorphia

But Echard is not buying her story of remorse. 

“Laura’s been carrying out these tactics for at least ten years. She’s not sorry. She’s sorry she got caught,” he said in a victim impact statement, according to USA Today. “All of the suffering that she has endured has come from her own doing, and it’s her choice. She has chosen her suffering, but she has not extended that privilege to me and the other victims.”

In 2023, Owens took Echard to court in an attempt to establish his paternity of her unborn twins. During a civil hearing, she presented fabricated evidence that she was pregnant, even though Echard denied having ever had sexual intercourse with her. She later claimed she had a miscarriage and the paternity suit was dropped.

In 2025, prosecutors in Arizona filed fraud charges against Owens. She ultimately pleaded guilty to four felony counts including fraudulent schemes and artifices, perjury, and identity theft.

In an Instagram video posted after Owens pleaded guilty in August, Echard said he hoped taking accountability would allow her to get to a better place. 

“I want Laura to heal, I want Laura to see brighter days,” he said. “I don’t want to see Laura rot in prison.”

For more​​ news and exclusive interviews, follow Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s Instagram. 

Best in News