The Golden Bachelorseason 2 star Mel Owens received criticism for shocking demands that he made about the women of his season.Mel is a 66-year-old former NFL playerwho was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.
After Mel retired from football, he became a lawyer.Mel divorced his wife in 2020 after 25 years of marriage. They have two sons. Now Mel will take the lead forThe Golden Bachelorseason 2.
The Golden Bachelorseason 2 star Mel Owens is facing backlash for shocking demands that he made about the women of his season.
In an interview on theIn the Trenchespodcast, Mel made some controversial comments about what he was looking for in the women ofThe Golden Bachelorseason 2. He revealed that, during the casting process,he told the producers that he preferred women aged"45 to 60…just being honest."
Mel then shared that, after he was selected to be theGolden Bachelorseason 2 lead, he had lunch with an executive producer. He told him,“If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.”
Mel said that the executive producer responded,“Oh, Mel, you’re able to’t. You know,this is not the Silver Bachelor. This is the Golden Bachelor. But they’re gonna be hot. Don’t worry about it. Don’t worry about it.”
Mel also revealed that the executive producer told him,“You can’t use the word cut.“He said that he responded,“Well, that’s an NFL term.“Mel also shared that he doesn’t know anything about the womenbecause the executive producers were vetting the contestants. He said that he told the producer,“I know they’re gonna be beautiful. I know they are.”
Mel added that his requirements for theGolden Bachelorwomen are"they’ve got to be fit because I stay in shape and work out and stuff.And I told them to try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs. You know, that kind of stuff.”
Mel added that he’s looking for"someone who’s a lifetime learner. Enjoys to love life. And work out and stay fit. And eat and have fun. And be energetic and live life.”
In the comments section of aTVLinearticle about Mel’s comments,fans railed against theGolden Bachelorstar. One person sarcastically wrote,“Can’t imagine why he’s single. He sounds like a real charmer.“Another viewer wondered,“Why is he doing this show?”
Someone else added,“Thanks for the heads-up. Not going to waste my time watching someone like him. I feel bad for any of the women in his season.I just removed the series from my record list.”
Another fan wondered why no one fromThe Golden Bacheloretteseason 1was chosen as the lead instead of Mel, writing,“Ew. They really thought this was better than anyone from Joan’s cast?”
If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.
What Mel Owens' Controversial Comments Mean For The Golden Bachelor
Has Mel Already Ruined His Season?
AlthoughMel is entitled to date whomever he wants, it’s baffling that he signed up to be the next lead ofThe Golden Bachelorif he didn’t want to date older women.At 66 years old, he’s in the age range for theGoldenfranchise, but a 45-year-old woman certainly isn’t.
In addition,Mel’s crass delivery of his physical requirements for the women is a real turn-offfor fans of the franchise. He seems to only care about looks and only wants to date younger women. It’s shocking and disappointing that someone who made such ageist comments was still cast as the lead of a show whose purpose is to break those stereotypes.
The backlash that Mel’s already facing fromGolden Bachelorfans means that his season might not do well. After too many controversial leads and contestants,BachelorNation is tired of disappointing seasons.The fact that some fans have already declared they’re not watching is a terrible sign for the show. Mel might’ve already ruined his season before it even began.
Our Take On Mel Owens' Shocking Golden Bachelor Comments
Mel Should Be Replaced Before His Season Begins Filming
If Mel’sGolden Bachelorseason hasn’t started filming yet, I think thathe should be replaced before it starts. He doesn’t fit the profile of the lead of the show because he’s unwilling to date women in their golden years. In addition, Mel put too much emphasis on outside appearances when he was asked what he’s looking for in a woman.
I don’t understand why Mel agreed to be the Golden Bachelor if he didn’t want to date women his own age. It’s a red flag that could mean thatMel only signed up for the show for fame. The previousGoldenleads Gerry Turner and Joan Vassos had inspiring stories, andI’m concerned that Mel will destroy the essence of the show.
Based on Mel’s comments, I believe that he was the wrong choice to beThe Golden Bachelorlead. He’s already alienated the fan base by insulting older women. That’s the complete opposite of what the show’s original purpose was.I hope thatThe Golden Bachelordoesn’t lose its magic with Mel as the lead.
The Golden Bachelorseason 2 will air Wednesdays at 9 p.m. EDT in fall 2025 on ABC.
The Golden Bachelor
Cast
The Bachelor returns to TV with The Golden Bachelor, a romantic reality competition series created for ABC. The show will focus on an older generation of hopefuls, with one senior male hoping to court and win the heart of one of several older female contestants.
