‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens Apologizes for Ageist Comments Amid Backlash
Los Angeles, CA – August 1, 2025 – Mel Owens, the 66-year-old former NFL player and Season 2 star of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, has issued a public apology for controversial remarks made about preferring to date women aged 45 to 60, excluding those over 60. The comments, which sparked widespread backlash, were made during a June 4 appearance on the In the Trenches podcast, where Owens also told producers to avoid casting women with “artificial hips or wigs.”
In a recent Glamour interview, Owens expressed regret, calling his statements “unfair” and “insensitive.” He revealed that a 65-year-old friend confronted him, prompting his change of heart. “She said, ‘What you said was insensitive, and it’s just not who you are,’” Owens recounted. He admitted to being out of touch, noting he hadn’t dated in over 26 years and was unaware of the show’s age range, assuming 45 to 60 was appropriate. “I didn’t know anything about The Golden Bachelor ages,” he said.
Owens addressed the controversy on the first night of filming, apologizing directly to the contestants. “I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me a chance,’” he told Glamour. He noted that several women appreciated his apology, and some playfully roasted him during a show segment, with one joking he used her “as a cane.” Despite rumors reported by Reality Steve on July 2 claiming ABC was replacing him, Owens confirmed he remains the lead, with filming underway for the season premiering September 24, 2025, on ABC.
The backlash was swift, with fans on X and Reddit slamming Owens for ageism, arguing his preferences undermine the show’s mission to celebrate love among seniors. One X user wrote, “Doesn’t seem like much of a mystery as to why he’s still a bachelor,” while another demanded a recast, suggesting Charles L. from The Golden Bachelorette. Critics, including The View co-hosts, questioned why a 66-year-old would dismiss women his age, with Sunny Hostin quipping, “What 45-year-old wants him?”
Original Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner, 73, weighed in, expressing hope that Owens would reconsider after meeting the “grace and charm” of women over 60. The show’s first season featured contestants aged 60 to 75, with Turner, then 72, marrying 70-year-old Theresa Nist.
As The Golden Bachelor Season 2 approaches, Owens’ apology aims to mend ties with fans and contestants, but the controversy continues to trend on X, where debates rage over ageism and the show’s casting choices.