Golden Bachelor Sparks Outrage With Comments
Mel Owens wanted to hand out roses — but his comments about who deserves them left Bachelor Nation in shock.
The 66-year-old former NFL star and lawyer, newly announced as the lead in season two of "The Golden Bachelor," reportedly revealed in a podcast interview that he won't date women over 60. And if that wasn't enough to set social media ablaze, according to Entertainment Weekly, he also declared his disdain for "artificial hips" and "wigs," sparking a backlash that's still burning.
'If They're 60 or Over, I'm Cutting Them'
Speaking on the "In the Trenches With Jon Jansen" podcast, Owens detailed how producers asked about his preferences for potential contestants. His answer raised eyebrows — and then some.
"[Producers] asked me, 'What's your preferences?' So I just said, '45 to 60,' just being honest," Owens said, according to Entertainment Weekly. "We had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'If they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.'"
He claims the producers tried to reassure him: "'Oh no, you can't. This is not The Silver Bachelor, it's The Golden Bachelor.' He goes, 'But they're gonna be hot, don't worry about it.'"
For context, Owens himself is 66.
Fit Only, Please — And Hold the Wigs
But it didn't stop there. Owens, who played for the Los Angeles Rams and now works as a lawyer in Orange County, also made it clear that women vying for his affection had to meet his very specific (and very controversial) physical standards.
"[They] gotta be fit, because I stay in shape, I work out and stuff," Owens said, according to Entertainment Weekly. "And I told [producers], 'Try and stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs,' that kind of stuff."
While he later added that he's looking for "someone who's a lifetime learner" and "enjoys to love life," his earlier comments about cutting older women and rejecting women with medical implants or hairpieces ignited fury among fans.
The Backlash Is Swift — and Savage
The comments triggered a wave of criticism online, according to Glamour. One fan wrote on X: "Doesn't seem like much of a mystery as to why he's still a bachelor." Another quipped: "Women over 60 wouldn't bother. Most are way past wanting more children to take care of."
According to Glamour, even "Selling Sunset" star Chrishell Stause chimed in on her Instagram Stories, saying, "We love the Golden Bachelor because of how wholesome it is. This type of energy will ruin it."
Others demanded ABC replace Owens entirely. One post, tagging the franchise, read: "[They] should recast Mel Owens immediately. We want Charles L for Golden Bachelor! But if that's not possible, please at least give us someone who is actually interested in dating the cast of golden women who are 60+."
Will ABC Stick With Him?
After the backlash, some outlets reported that ABC was scrambling to replace him. But according to Glamour, Owens remains the star of "The Golden Bachelor" season two, with filming expected to begin later this summer.
Asked during the podcast why he even wanted to do "The Golden Bachelor," according to Entertainment Weekly, Owens said simply: "I like to try new things."
A Wholesome Show — No Longer?
The first season of "The Golden Bachelor," led by 72-year-old Gerry Turner, drew praise for showcasing mature romance and rejecting the superficiality often seen in reality TV dating shows. Contestants reportedly ranged from 60 to 75, and the audience embraced its warmth and sincerity.
Owens' comments threaten to unravel that goodwill, casting the second season in a very different light. Fans are already wondering: is "The Golden Bachelor" now just a silver version of the same old Bachelor antics?
We'll have to wait until fall to find out. But one thing is clear — Owens has already delivered the season's first scandal.
References: Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens says he won't date women over 60 | The Mel Owens Golden Bachelor Drama, Explained
