Former NFL player turned lawyer, Mel Owens, faced backlash after expressing his preference not to date women over the age of 60, sparking controversy on the new season of ABC’s “The Golden Bachelor.” Owens, 66, faced criticism after stating on a podcast that he hoped to find a partner between the ages of 45 and 60, leading to an outcry from Bachelor Nation fans and celebrities alike.
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Owens opened up about his comments, revealing that a close friend confronted him about the insensitivity of his remarks. He admitted that his lack of dating experience in over two decades clouded his understanding of appropriate dating preferences, leading him to make ill-considered comments. Owens acknowledged his mistake and took responsibility for his words, apologizing to the women on the show when filming began, seeking to make amends and earn back their trust.
During his season, Owens faced further scrutiny during a date that included a comedy roast, where contestants did not hold back in poking fun at him. Despite the light-hearted nature of the roast, Owens took the criticisms to heart, recognizing the need to address his past remarks and move forward with a more respectful approach towards the women on the show.
As the new lead of “The Golden Bachelor,” Owens shared his criteria for a potential partner, emphasizing the importance of fitness, energy, and a zest for life. While his initial comments were met with criticism from fans and reality TV personalities like Chrishell Stause, Owens remains focused on finding a genuine connection and being transparent with his intentions on the show.
The age range controversy surrounding Owens comes as ABC announced his role as the next Golden Bachelor, following in the footsteps of Gerry Turner. As the show gears up for its new season, Owens aims to navigate the dating landscape with a newfound understanding and sensitivity, learning from his past missteps and striving to build authentic relationships with the contestants vying for his affection.
Despite the initial backlash, Owens has expressed a willingness to listen to feedback and engage in open conversations with both the women on the show and viewers at home. As the reality TV journey unfolds for Owens and the contestants of “The Golden Bachelor,” audiences await to see how his personal growth and evolution in understanding dating dynamics will shape the course of the show’s upcoming season.