The Bravo Docket

Legal Team, we’re diving back into one of the wildest stories we’ve ever covered: an alleged fake-pregnancy scheme that ultimately ensnared a former Bachelor. In this continuation, we zoom out from Clayton Echard and unpack the disturbing pattern that allegedly came before him, including more fabricated pregnancies, more stolen ultrasounds, restraining orders, and escalating legal warfare. We break down the men Laura Owens targeted before Clayton then review the court’s detailed findings in Clayton’s case and why this saga has now shifted from civil chaos to 14 felony criminal charges. This case isn’t just messy, it’s a masterclass in how the legal system can be weaponized.

What’s On the Docket?
Laura's first two targets: Michael Marini and Greg Gillespie
Stolen ultrasound images, fabricated medical records, and escalating restraining orders
Key findings from Clayton Echard’s bench trial and why the judge questioned Laura's credibility
The Rabkin DNA test and how science unraveled the paternity claims
The court’s referral to prosecutors and the 14 felony counts now pending
Why these specific criminal charges (fraudulent schemes, perjury, forgery, extortion) are rare and serious


Access additional content and our Patreon here: ⁠https://zez.am/thebravodocket⁠

The Bravo Docket podcast, the statements we make whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and do not provide legal advice. Any party consuming our information should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.



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Trigger Warning: Discussions of sexual assault.

Legal Team, we’re back in Salt Lake City and this week we’re zooming out to look at the bigger legal picture in Marciano’s lawsuit against Demi from The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. After breaking down the drama, text messages, and on-screen fallout, we’re now focusing on what actually has to be proven in court. From defamation standards to public figure hurdles, we unpack how reality TV narratives collide with real world legal thresholds and why this case may come down to much more than what aired on camera.

What’s on the Docket?
The specific claims Marciano filed against Demi and the production company
Whether calling someone a sexual predator qualifies as defamation per se
What actual malice means and how public figure status raises the bar
Utah’s definitions of sexual assault versus sexual battery and why that distinction matters
The role an Anti SLAPP motion could play in shutting the case down early
Why credibility not just contracts or clips may ultimately decide this lawsuit

Access additional content and our Patreon here: ⁠https://zez.am/thebravodocket⁠

The Bravo Docket podcast, the statements we make whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and do not provide legal advice. Any party consuming our information should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.



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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trigger Warning: Discussions of Sexual Assault

Legal Team, will MomTok survive this? After binge-watching The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, we’re breaking down the lawsuit that’s officially blurred the line between reality TV drama and real-world litigation. This episode unpacks Marciano Brunette’s lawsuit against Demi Engemann, and how the conflict played out across Vanderpump Villa and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. With on-screen storylines colliding with legal strategy and public support entering the chat, this case raises serious questions about power, influence, and accountability. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we break down Demi and the production company’s response filed in federal court.

What’s on the Docket?
How the conflict unfolded on Vanderpump Villa and The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives
Marciano’s lawsuit against Demi and the core allegations
The text message exchanges between Marciano and Demi driving the legal claims
Lisa Vanderpump’s public support of Marciano and why it matters


Access additional content and our Patreon here: ⁠https://zez.am/thebravodocket⁠


The Bravo Docket podcast, the statements we make whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and do not provide legal advice. Any party consuming our information should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.

Thank you to our incredible sponsors!
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Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.
Bobbie: head to Hibobbie.com to find the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies—700k and counting
Marley Spoon: Head to marleyspoon.com/offer/BRAVODOCKET for up to 25 FREE meals!
Quince: Go to Quince.com/DOCKET for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.
Olive & June: Visit Oliveandjune.com/DOCKET for 20% off your first System!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legal Team, we’re back in Beverly Hills with more research into Amanda Frances. From questionable cease-and-desist letters allegedly sent to Redditors leaving reviews, to a failed federal lawsuit over the “look and feel” of another woman’s finance book. In this episode, we break down the consumer rights issues, the limits of non-disparagement clauses for people leaving honest reviews, and why Amanda’s attempt to claim ownership over “As F**k” and bathtub-money vibes didn’t exactly impress a federal judge. Spoiler: manifestation doesn’t work on trade dress law.

What’s on the Docket?
The cease and desist letters Amanda’s team sent to online critics
How the Consumer Review Fairness Act protects online reviews
Amanda’s federal lawsuit claiming another author copied her book’s “look and feel”
What trade dress actually means
Why the judge denied Amanda’s request to pull an allegedly competing book from shelves


Access additional content and our Patreon here: ⁠https://zez.am/thebravodocket⁠

The Bravo Docket podcast, the statements we make whether in our own media or elsewhere, and any content we post are for entertainment purposes only and do not provide legal advice. Any party consuming our information should consult a lawyer for legal advice. The podcast, our opinions, and our posts, are our own and are not associated with our employers, Bravo TV, or any other television network. Cesie is admitted to the State Bars of California and New York. Angela is admitted to the State Bars of Texas, Kansas, and Missouri.


Thank you to our incredible sponsors!
Hers: Visit forhers.com/BRAVODOCKET to get a personalized, affordable plan that gets you.

Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home.

Bobbie: head to Hibobbie.com to find the formula trusted by parents and loved by their babies—700k and counting

Marley Spoon: Head to marleyspoon.com/offer/BRAVODOCKET for up to 25 FREE meals!

Quince: Go to Quince.com/DOCKET for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns.

Olive & June: Visit Oliveandjune.com/DOCKET for 20% off your first System!
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Legal team, today we are introducing The Tamsen Show, a brilliant podcast from Emmy winning journalist and New York Times best selling author Tamsen Fadel. Tamsen interviews leading female voices offering clarity for anyone navigating midlife. We hope you will enjoy it as much as we do.