Reality star accused of rape takes the stand in trial

BATON ROUGE, LA (WAFB) - The third day of a trial involving the former Sons of Guns reality star, Will Hayden, concluded with Hayden taking the stand. Hayden is accused of raping two young girls over the course of two decades.

One of the alleged teen victims said the incident occurred in the 1990s when she was around 12 or 13 years old. The other victim claims she was 12-years-old at the time of the alleged incident in 2014.

One of the accusers, who is now 15-years-old, took the stand for the second day. She testified that Hayden "ruined her life" when he forced her into a sexual relationship. She also claims to have turned to smoking and drinking alcohol to deal with the emotional pain.

The 15-year-old was briefly crossed examination by the defense, who argued the dates of the alleged abuse did not add up. The defense later took over and called four witnesses to the stand: a friend and two former employees, all of which said they never saw any unusual behavior between Hayden and the now alleged 15-year-old victim. The last witness to testify was the reality star himself.

Once on the stand, one of the first questions Hayden's attorney, Bo Rougeou, asked was: "Have you ever raped anyone?" Hayden calmly replied, "No, sir." During his testimony, which lasted over an hour, Hayden repeatedly said he did not rape or touch any of his accusers.

Also discussed was the alleged August 2014 incident. The now 15-year-old accuser testified Wednesday that Hayden "french kissed her" and she performed oral sex on him. It was at that moment the victim claims a former employee walked in and saw them.

Hayden said during his testimony Thursday, the former employee who reported the incident to East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff's Office deputies was acting in retaliation.

Hayden claims the former employee was upset that she would no longer be his bookkeeper and personal assistant, after an incident involving a $10,000 check surfaced. Hayden testified his reasoning for telling her she would no longer be his bookkeeper was not due to her lack of ability to perform her job, being that she was trained in that field. He says he just decided to allow his sister to take over the duties.

However, when crossed examined by the prosecution, Hayden said that news wasn't "sinking in happily" for the former employee. Hayden was later arrested and charged with aggravated rape.

The defense rested their case following Hayden's testimony. The prosecution is expected to call at least one witness Friday morning.

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