Mel Owens Addresses Controversy Surrounding Age Preferences on ‘Golden Bachelor’

Mel Owens, the new leading man of the ‘Golden Bachelor,’ is working to manage the fallout from his comments regarding contestant age preferences. The former NFL linebacker initially suggested that female participants should be between 45 and 60 years old, a remark that provoked considerable backlash.

At 66, Owens faced criticism for his choice of words during interviews, particularly about his dating standards. In a recent discussion, he admitted, “I didn’t really understand the age range on ‘Golden Bachelor.’ I wasn’t aware.” He recounted that after becoming a father, he missed the show’s earlier seasons and had little context regarding its history.

Owens shared, “My personal benchmark was that 45 to 60 was my preference.” He explained that, reflecting on dating experiences from years ago, he hadn’t dated often enough to have a clear sense of what to expect in today’s landscape. He now recognizes that, contrary to his previous beliefs, the original ‘Golden Bachelor,’ Gerry Turner, had been divorced after a lengthy marriage.

During his filming for the upcoming season, which is expected to air in September, Owens confronted the issue directly while the cameras were rolling. “I addressed it right away and apologized. I realized it was unfair,” he remarked. However, he mentioned that some contestants weren’t quick to forgive him, especially during group date activities, which included more playful challenges that left him feeling vulnerable. “They were tough on me,” he said, acknowledging their impressive resilience.

Moreover, Owens has been candid about his reluctance to consider dating anyone over 60 and conveyed this to the show’s producers. He also noted some of his other preferences, stating he wasn’t interested in contestants with “artificial waists” or “wigs.” “I made it clear what I liked,” he explained, sharing that the producers responded by reminding him that this isn’t just about superficial standards.

He emphasized that he hopes to connect with women in good health and intends for relationships to be genuine. The show’s producers have highlighted that Owens brings a wealth of experience, having been married for 25 years and being a father to two sons. Ultimately, he seeks to find love that revolves around shared moments and mutual growth.