The Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens has fans calling for his exit after controversial ageist comments
It's only been a few months since ABC announced that former NFL player Mel Owens will become the next Golden Bachelorette, but he's already causing fans to call for his exit.
The 66-year-old Detroit native and University of Michigan alum played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams from 1981 to 1989, and then transitioned into a financial advisor and then a lawyer in Southern California.
ABC announced that The Golden Bachelor would be renewed in late April, and revealed Owens as the Season 2 Golden Bachelor.
He was a guest on his alma mater's MGo Blue podcast with Jon Jansen earlier this month, where he made several surprising revelations.
For one, he said a friend made the introduction to Bachelor Nation producers, which ultimately lead to his casting, but one comment has already sent shockwaves through the show's fanbase.
He revealed that he intends to eliminate any woman who is brought in over the age of 60, which has fans livid and calling for his exit already before filming has begun.
During the casting process, producers asked him about his preferences in women, and he said, '45 to 60, just being honest.'
Owens then recalled having lunch with one of the show's executive producers, when he told him, 'If they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them. This is not The Silver Bachelor, this is The Golden Bachelor.'
He was seemingly referring to the 50s once being referred to as one's 'golden' years and the 'silver' years being in one's 60s, though now the 'golden' years are typically considered anything over the age of 65.
He added that the producer told him, 'But they're going to be hot, don't worry about it, don't worry about it,' adding he couldn't use the word 'cut,' but Owens said, 'That's an NFL term.'
Owens also told the producer, 'They've got to be fit, because I stay in shape and workout and stuff. And I told them to try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs.'
He added that during the casting process, one of the executive producers said he was also a Michigan alum like Owens.
Owens shares two sons - Lucas, 20 and Andre, 18 - with ex-wife Fabiana Pimentel, who he was married to from 2002 to 2020.
He added that his sons had to ' make a video' about why he would be a good Bachelor and he ultimately had to meet the main producers and studio execs, and it was host Jesse Palmer himself who revealed in person at his home that he'd be the new Golden Bachelor.
Still, many fans have been angered by Owens' comments, including Roslyn (@calirozzy), who didn't pull any punches, stating, 'Time for this entire franchise to die.'
Another, Jamie Mood (@Jmood17) added, 'I truly enjoyed The Golden Bachelor. Lol. I will see myself out,' referring to the show's first season with Gerry Turner.
Brittny Pierre (@sleep2dream) pointed out if he eliminates women over 60, 'then it's not the golden bachelor….'
Another fan dubbed @GirlGurl26 wondered, 'So he's an ageist on the show called the Golden Bachelor?'
Lauren Milberger (@LaurenMilberger) quote-retweeted a news story, adding, 'Then don't make him the golden bachelor!'
John Handem Piette (@JohnHPiette) theorized, 'Disney was like, the last Golden Bachelor was too nice…let's swing opposite.'
Jorge Leiner (@jorg3leiner) joked, 'Way to go DiCaprio!' referring to actor Leonardo DiCaprio's longtime tendencies to date much younger women.
Greg Watterworth Jr. (@DestroVega) wondered, 'Did he miss the point of the show? lol.'
Still, many fans have been angered by Owens' comments, including Roslyn (@calirozzy), who didn't pull any punches, stating, 'Time for this entire franchise to die.'
Another, Jamie Mood (@Jmood17) added, 'I truly enjoyed The Golden Bachelor. Lol. I will see myself out,' referring to the show's first season with Gerry Turner
Brittny Pierre (@sleep2dream) pointed out if he eliminates women over 60, 'then it's not the golden bachelor….'
Another fan dubbed @GirlGurl26 wondered, 'So he's an ageist on the show called the Golden Bachelor?'
Lauren Milberger (@LaurenMilberger) quote-retweeted a news story, adding, 'Then don't make him the golden bachelor!'
Jorge Leiner (@jorg3leiner) joked, 'Way to go DiCaprio!' referring to actor Leonardo DiCaprio's longtime tendencies to date much younger women.
Alicia (Lee) McClendon (@QTarantino) simply said, 'Nah, cut him,' while James (@jamesumsion) said, 'Holy s**t they need to find a replacement for the Golden Bachelor. This guy sounds like a puke.'
SmashTheFash (@LaJuliciousOne) said, 'F this guy and this show,' while Courtney (@televisualities) said, 'Does he know he's ugly?
Margie Pinto Etter (@metter5416) said simply, 'Ughhhhhhh,' while Scratchin Desperado (@scratchingdesp) added, 'Lame.'
Another X user - @LoLuVal - threw some shade, tweeting, 'Here's hoping every single woman is 60 and older.'
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