“Golden Bachelor” Mel Owens is already stirring controversy, and his season hasn’t even started filming.
The 66-year-old former NFL player was announced as the next star of “The Golden Bachelor,” following in the footsteps of Gerry Turner. But unlike his predecessor, Owens’ journey to find love is off to a rocky start, drawing criticism from Bachelor Nation, Hollywood stars, and now, his ex-wife.
Fabiana Owens, who was married to Mel Owens for 17 years, isn’t exactly rooting for his televised love story.
Mel Owens’ Ex Speaks Out As ‘Golden Bachelor’ Faces Backlash Over Ageist Comments
When contacted by the Daily Mail, Fabiana didn’t hold back. “Good luck,” she said bluntly. “I mean, it’s going to be bad. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this.”
According to court documents obtained by the outlet, Fabiana and Mel’s divorce was finalized just seven months ago, in December 2024, after a grueling four-year legal battle. The two married in 2002 and share two sons, Lucas, 19, and Andre, 18. Fabiana filed for divorce in February 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
Though they now share joint custody, the court ordered Mel to pay nearly $1 million to Fabiana, $980,000 to be exact, by February 28, 2025. That sum reportedly includes unpaid child and spousal support, division of property, and attorney fees. Mel also kept the couple’s Orange County home, now worth over $2 million, as well as bank accounts in his name and his firm’s name.
At the time of the settlement, Mel Owens claimed he was only making $1,000 per month, but had assets totaling over $2.75 million. Fabiana, meanwhile, was estimated to be earning nearly $7,000 monthly.
Owens Slammed For Ageist ‘Golden Bachelor’ Comments
Fabiana’s frosty reaction to Mel Owens’ “Golden Bachelor” casting isn’t the only heat he’s facing.
The former linebacker recently sparked major backlash after making ageist remarks on the “MGoBlue” podcast. When asked about his dating preferences, Owens said flatly, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.”
He elaborated, saying he preferred women between 45 and 60 and requested producers avoid casting women with “artificial hips and wigs.” His comments drew immediate criticism from fans and fellow celebs alike.
“Selling Sunset” star Chrishell Stause slammed the casting on Instagram, writing, “We love ‘The Golden Bachelor’ because of how wholesome it is. This type of energy will ruin it.”
Fans Demand ‘Golden Bachelor’ Replacement
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Others echoed her concerns, calling out the hypocrisy of casting a man who openly dismisses women his own age.
“Based on his podcast interview, I won’t be watching or supporting,” one fan wrote. “We need to stop supporting men who think they’re so great that they won’t date women their own age. This dude needs to go back home.”
Another added, “We need to stop supporting men who think they’re too good to date women their age.”
“This is so sad. I can’t believe they knew this man didn’t want a golden lady and cast him anyway,” someone else wrote. “Please replace him for someone who appreciates women of a certain age, which is the entire point of this show.”
Despite the uproar, ABC confirmed to Daily Mail that Mel Owens has not been replaced, and filming for the season will begin later this summer as planned.
Mel Owens Steps Into The Spotlight As The Next ‘Golden Bachelor’
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Mel Owens is trading legal briefs for love letters as he prepares to lead the upcoming season of “The Golden Bachelor.”
Officially announced earlier this year during Hulu’s “Get Real House” presentation, the 66-year-old former NFL linebacker and attorney will be the second-ever lead in the senior spinoff of “The Bachelor,” following in the footsteps of fan-favorite Gerry Turner.
A proud Detroit native, Owens comes from a tight-knit Midwestern family and first made a name for himself on the football field. He played for the University of Michigan before being drafted ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1981 NFL Draft. After a successful professional football career, he pivoted to law and built a new chapter as a sports injury attorney in Orange County, California.
Despite his accomplishments in both athletics and law, Owens considers fatherhood his greatest achievement. Following the death of his father and the end of his nearly two-decade-long marriage, he dedicated himself to raising his two sons, coaching their sports teams and being a constant presence in their lives.
Fans Question If Mel Owens’ ‘Golden Bachelor’ Season Is Already On Thin Ice
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While Bachelor Nation prepares for “Bachelor in Paradise” to premiere July 7, many are now questioning whether “The Golden Bachelor” will maintain the same heartwarming tone that made Gerry Turner’s season such a hit, or if Mel Owens’ season is already on thin ice.
Fans will have to wait and see.
