SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — A TEDx talk delivered by Laura Owens in 2021 remains publicly available online despite growing calls for its removal from critics who point to her ongoing criminal case and allegations that she made false claims about multiple former partners.
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Owens, a Scottsdale resident, is currently facing criminal charges, including fraud, perjury, and forgery related to allegations that she falsely claimed to be pregnant with twins fathered by former “Bachelor” star Clayton Echard. Owens has pleaded not guilty, and her criminal case remains pending with a trial scheduled for later this summer.
The controversy surrounding her TEDx presentation has intensified as critics argue that the talk presents allegations against a former boyfriend that they contend are untrue.
In the TEDx talk, delivered at Mercer Island High School in Washington state, Owens recounted what she described as an abusive relationship and detailed an incident during a flight to Iceland. She said the kindness of a stranger on the flight helped her leave the relationship.
Writer and podcaster Megan Fox said the individual referenced in the talk has long been publicly identified as Mike Marraccini, a former boyfriend of Owens. Fox and others have argued that the talk should be removed in light of subsequent legal proceedings involving Owens.
According to Fox, anyone familiar with the circumstances would have understood whom Owens was discussing in the presentation.
Marraccini’s attorney, Omar Serrato, tells 12News all of the allegations Owens made in the TEDx talk are false. Owens previously sought restraining orders against Marraccini, but those petitions were later dismissed after she did not appear for scheduled hearings.
Serrato said she believes the TEDx talk reflects a broader pattern of behavior alleged in Owens’ legal cases.
“It’s really frustrating to know that she has this pattern of storytelling and these narratives and false premises and false statements, and to have nobody do anything about it, and just leave it up there for all the world to see,” Serrato told 12News.
Among those calling for the video’s removal is Echard, who has publicly criticized TEDx and argued that Owens’ legal troubles undermine the credibility of the presentation.
“The court has found that this individual lied and fabricated a pregnancy,” Echard said. “This isn’t a matter of did they lie or did they not. It’s time to take down this video. Stop waiting, stop running and hiding comments, and not allowing people to shed light on it. Take it down, it’s going on for too long.”
Critics say they have repeatedly contacted TEDx and TED requesting that the video be taken down. Fox said her efforts to reach the organizations have gone unanswered.
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“The only evidence we have that we know that they hear us is that they’ve turned the comments off on the YouTube TEDx,” Fox said. “To me, it’s like a slap in the face. It’s like saying we’ve heard you and we don’t want to hear from you anymore.”
TED and TEDx did not respond to requests for comment regarding whether the organization has reviewed the talk or considered removing it.
12News also contacted Owens through her criminal defense attorney seeking comment on calls to remove the video. 12News didn’t receive a response.
The TEDx talk remains publicly accessible as Owens continues to fight the criminal charges against her in court.
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