Mel Owens, the newly announced lead for Season 2 of ABC’s The Golden Bachelor, has found himself at the center of a heated debate over ageism, following controversial remarks about the age range of women he would consider dating on the show. Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL linebacker turned attorney, initially stated that he preferred contestants between the ages of 45 and 60 and would “cut” any woman over 60. The backlash was swift and intense, prompting Owens to publicly apologize and clarify his stance.
This controversy has sparked broader conversations about ageism, representation, and the expectations placed on older adults in dating and media. It also raises questions about the integrity and inclusivity of a show that was designed to celebrate love later in life.
The Origins of the Controversy
The uproar began in June 2025 when Owens appeared on the “In The Trenches” podcast, hosted by Jon Jansen for University of Michigan Athletics. During the interview, Owens candidly shared his dating preferences, stating that he had requested contestants be between 45 and 60 years old. He added, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them,” a remark that many interpreted as dismissive and ageist.
Owens also made comments about physical appearance, suggesting that contestants should be fit and avoid “artificial hips and wigs.” These statements were widely criticized for perpetuating stereotypes and excluding women who may have undergone medical procedures or embraced personal style choices.
Backlash from Bachelor Nation and Beyond
The reaction from fans, former contestants, and media outlets was swift. Gerry Turner, the original Golden Bachelor from Season 1, publicly criticized Owens’ remarks, saying, “I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this. I think he will see the grace and the charm of women who are over 60 and the confidence they carry.”
Turner, who married contestant Theresa Nist during a televised special in January 2024 (though the couple divorced three months later), emphasized that many of the women he met during his season were “a gift” and brought unique qualities to the show. He urged Owens to look beyond age and focus on the person.
Owens Responds: Clarification and Apology
In an August 1 interview with Glamour, Owens addressed the controversy head-on. He acknowledged that his comments were “unfair” and “insensitive,” and expressed regret for the hurt they caused. “I apologized to the women on the show,” he said. “When I first walked in, I addressed it. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance.’”
Owens explained that his dating reference point was outdated. Having been married for nearly two decades before his 2020 divorce, he hadn’t dated in over 26 years. “My reference of dating was 39, 40 years old,” he said. “I hadn’t dated in 26, 27 years. So my reference was my age, basically.”
He also revealed that a close friend, a 65-year-old attorney and Big Ten administrator, called him out on his remarks. “She said to me, ‘Mel… no. What are you doing?’ She goes, ‘I’m reading all about it.’ I didn’t know that it hit that hard. She goes, ‘You’ve got to right the wrong.’ So I listened to her.”
Producer Pushback and Casting Realities
Owens’ comments reportedly clashed with the vision of the show’s producers. During a lunch with the executive producer, Owens reiterated his preference for younger contestants. The producer responded, “Oh Mel, you can’t… this is not the ‘Silver Bachelor.’ It’s the ‘Golden Bachelor.’ But they’re going to be hot, don’t worry about it.”
Despite Owens’ initial preferences, the actual age range of contestants on Season 2 includes women aged 60, 65, and even 70. Owens admitted that the women gave him a hard time about his earlier remarks, including during a roast-themed date where contestants playfully mocked him. “It was brutal. They were killing me. It was good,” he said.
A Shift in Perspective
Owens now says he is open to dating women from different age brackets and recognizes the value of maturity, experience, and authenticity. “I know there’s amazing women out there,” he said. “I’m looking for someone who’s a lifetime learner, enjoys life, works out, stays fit, eats well, has fun, and lives energetically.”
He emphasized that he is committed to earning back the trust of viewers and contestants. “You have to be earnest in your work to get the trust back,” he said. “Everybody there is smart and they can see through you if you’re lying or you don’t mean what you say. That’s why I say tune in. But I deserved [the anger]. That was a mistake by me.”
The Broader Implications
The controversy surrounding Owens’ comments has reignited discussions about ageism in media and dating culture. While The Golden Bachelor was created to celebrate love in later life, Owens’ remarks suggest that even within this framework, biases and stereotypes persist.
Critics argue that excluding women over 60 undermines the show’s mission and sends a harmful message about aging and desirability. Supporters of the show hope that Owens’ apology and evolving perspective will lead to a more inclusive and respectful season.
Looking Ahead: Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor
Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor is set to premiere on September 24, 2025. Despite the controversy, anticipation remains high. Fans are eager to see how Owens navigates the dating process, whether he truly embraces the diversity of experiences among older women, and how the show addresses the backlash.
ABC has not commented publicly on the controversy, but insiders suggest that producers are working to ensure a respectful and inclusive environment for all contestants.
Conclusion: A Golden Opportunity for Growth
Mel Owens’ journey on The Golden Bachelor is now about more than finding love—it’s about redemption, growth, and challenging societal norms. His initial comments may have sparked outrage, but his willingness to listen, apologize, and evolve offers a chance for meaningful change.
As Owens steps into the spotlight, he carries the weight of expectation—not just to entertain, but to honor the spirit of the show and the women who make it possible. Whether he succeeds remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the golden years are not defined by age, but by openness, respect, and the courage to learn from our mistakes.
