Mel Owens, the newly announced lead for Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor, is speaking out for the first time since his controversial age-related comments sparked a wave of backlash. The 66-year-old attorney and former football player faced criticism after publicly stating he wouldn’t give a rose to any woman over 60 or to someone who had a hip or knee replacement.
In a candid interview with Glamour, Owens revealed he was unaware of the age expectations tied to The Golden Bachelor franchise. “I didn’t know it hit that hard,” he admitted, after a close friend called him out. “She said, ‘Mel, no. What are you doing?’” The friend — a 65-year-old attorney and Big 10 administrator — told Owens that his remarks were “insensitive” and didn’t reflect the person she knew.
Owens, who shares two children with his ex-wife Fabiana (19 years his junior), clarified that his dating frame of reference was from when he was in his late 30s and early 40s, before a 26-year hiatus from dating. “I hadn’t dated in 26 years, so I had no clue,” he said. He assumed the show’s age range was 45–60, unaware that The Golden Bachelor is specifically aimed at celebrating romance later in life.
Realizing the gravity of his statements, Owens made it a priority to apologize to the contestants when filming began. “I addressed it. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back,’” he explained, noting that many women on one-on-one dates expressed appreciation for his sincerity.
Adding humor and humility to the situation, Owens described a “roast date” in which contestants delivered sharp one-liners at his expense. “One said, ‘He was using me as a cane.’ Another joked, ‘He’s doughy, squishy, square, and crusty — like a Detroit pizza,’” Owens laughed, saying the jabs were well-earned and part of rebuilding trust.
He also walked back on his hip and knee replacement remarks, emphasizing his professional experience working with injured athletes. “People run marathons with artificial joints,” he said. “I know that people have them and live full lives.”
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As for the rumors that ABC considered replacing him, Owens denies any confirmation. “Not that I know of,” he stated. While some speculated a recasting, Owens remained focused on the journey: “It’s such a great experience. I wouldn’t have wanted to be recast.”
Bachelor host Jesse Palmer has also commented on the situation, defending the integrity of the show while acknowledging Owens’ attempt to make things right.
“The Golden Bachelor” premieres on ABC, Wednesday, September 24, at 8 p.m., with high expectations for drama, romance, and redemption.
