Latest news with #MelOwens
Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
'Golden Bachelor' Mel Owens sets strict age limit for contestants despite producer pushback
The newest star of "The Golden Bachelor" has some strict criteria when it comes to choosing a life partner. During an appearance on the "In The Trenches" podcast, Mel Owens - who was cast as the ABC show's newest "Golden Bachelor" in April - admitted that he plans to cut any woman who is "60 and over" and was adamant that producers refrain from casting anyone with "artificial hips" and "wigs." "It's blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, 'What's your preferences?' So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest," Owens, the 66-year-old NFL veteran, said. "And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.' 'Oh Mel, you can't, you know, this is not the 'Silver Bachelor.' It's the 'Golden Bachelor.' He goes, 'but they're going to be hot, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it.'" Additionally, Owens said he expects the contestants to all be in good shape. "I had no resume, but they asked me, what is my, like, my profile?" Owens said. "Well, they got to be fit because I stay in shape, should work out and stuff. And I told them, you know, try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs, you know, that kind of stuff, right." "Well, I don't think there are going to be artificial hips or wigs there, right? Because I know there's amazing women out there," Owens added. The first "Golden Bachelor," Gerry Turner, was 72 at the time of his appearance on the show. He met and married Theresa Nist, 70, but they divorced three months after tying the knot. The age range for the 22 contestants on the first season ranged from 60 to 75. Representatives for "The Golden Bachelor" did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. According to the show's press release, Owens was married for 25 years and has two sons. He hopes to find a love "rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life's everyday moments, making plans for the future and growing stronger together as a couple." "As the Golden Bachelor, he's eager to meet someone who shares this vision and finally find that perfect teammate he's been waiting for in his golden years," the press release reads.
Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Gerry Turner warns new 'Golden Bachelor' he's making a serious mistake with controversial age cutoff
"Golden Bachelor" alum Gerry Turner is certain the show's new lead, Mel Owens, will be "cheating himself" if he decides to pursue his controversial plan of cutting contestants who are "60 and over." "I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this. I think he will see the grace and the charm of women who are over 60 and the confidence they carry, and I think he'll have a change of heart," Turner, 73, told Fox News Digital of Owens — who recently took fans by surprise when he admitted his plans to eliminate any woman on the show who is over 60 years old. "The people that I met in my season, I go through them, and it's like, they're all a gift. To have gotten to know them… Each and every one of them [brought] some unique characteristics to the show, unique characteristics to life." "The age thing… ignore the number, deal with the person," Turner added. During an appearance on the "In The Trenches" podcast in June, Owens, 66, opened up about the age limitations he allegedly requested ahead of casting. "It's blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, 'What's your preferences?' So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest," he said. "And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.' 'Oh Mel, you can't, you know, this is not the 'Silver Bachelor.' It's the 'Golden Bachelor.' He goes, 'But they're going to be hot, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it.'" Additionally, Owens said he expects the contestants to all be in good shape. WATCH: 'GOLDEN BACHELOR' GERRY TURNER SAYS NEW LEAD WILL BE 'CHEATING HIMSELF' IF HE CUTS WOMEN 60 AND OVER "I had no resume, but they asked me, what is my, like, my profile?" Owens said. "Well, they got to be fit because I stay in shape. [They] should work out and stuff. And I told them, you know, try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs, you know, that kind of stuff, right? "Well, I don't think there are going to be artificial hips or wigs there, right? Because I know there's amazing women out there." Turner said he's confident ABC wouldn't cast a lead who is that "shallow." "His comments about anybody that's had a hip replacement or has a wig or anything like that, I really don't believe that the ABC producers in casting, particularly casting that I have a high level of confidence with, I don't think they would be casting a person who has that shallow of a perspective. I think some of [Owens' comments] requires some context, and it may have been taken out of context and so forth." "But bottom line is, I hope he does look at it differently because if he doesn't, I think he'll be cheating himself." During the first season of the show, the ladies vying for Turner's heart were between 60 and 75 years old. Turner married contestant Theresa Nist shortly after the finale, but the couple got divorced three months later. Despite the failed relationship, Turner is grateful for his experience and hopes Owens can take a page from his playbook. "If he treats each and every one of them with courtesy and respect and is a good listener, pays attention to them and so forth, and ignores their age number, I think it'll be fine," said Turner. "Everyone that gets thrown into this situation has to find their own way. I was fortunate enough, I had very good mentoring on the show. I had people that carefully moved me through some of the pitfalls that maybe Mel hasn't quite avoided as much because I remember specifically being told just, 'Gerry, ignore the age thing,' that 'You'll really find beautiful women of all ages in the show.' And I think he will as well." These days, Turner — who was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer last year — has found love again and is living life to the fullest. WATCH: 'GOLDEN BACHELOR' GERRY TURNER GUSHES ABOUT HIS NEW LOVE, SAYS SHE MAKES LIFE 'EVEN BETTER' "I decided that I wasn't going to say 'no' to anything," Turner said of his change in perspective after his diagnosis. "Anything that came along, any trip, any chance to have fun, anything that I could do, I was going to take it on. Because I felt myself, even before the diagnosis, I was starting to get to that couch potato point where it was a little nicer to sit at home and do nothing than go out and fight whatever challenge it was to travel. And that's really been quite a change for me." "So now something comes along, I say 'yes' to it," he added. "I'm going to go. I'm going to do. So every day is a gift." Turner, who recently started dating Indiana native Lana Sutton, said he's "happy" with where his life is taking him now. "She has more energy than I do. She needs less sleep than I do. I really think she's a more logical thinker than I am, which I think that's a lot. But the nice part is we think and we approach things very similarly, so we don't have any conflicts as we're trying to make decisions and so forth. We generally arrive at the same place, sometimes not the same way, but usually the same place." "With Lana now in the picture, she makes [life] even better. It's so good to have a partner that understands and is in it with you 100% and so forth. So it took me a while to get to this point, but I'm pretty happy with where I am."
Fox News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Gerry Turner warns new 'Golden Bachelor' he's making a serious mistake with controversial age cutoff
"Golden Bachelor" alum Gerry Turner is certain the show's new lead, Mel Owens, will be "cheating himself" if he decides to pursue his controversial plan of cutting contestants who are "60 and over." "I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this. I think he will see the grace and the charm of women who are over 60 and the confidence they carry, and I think he'll have a change of heart," Turner, 73, told Fox News Digital of Owens — who recently took fans by surprise when he admitted his plans to eliminate any woman on the show who is over 60 years old. "The people that I met in my season, I go through them, and it's like, they're all a gift. To have gotten to know them… Each and every one of them [brought] some unique characteristics to the show, unique characteristics to life." "The age thing… ignore the number, deal with the person," Turner added. During an appearance on the "In The Trenches" podcast in June, Owens, 66, opened up about the age limitations he allegedly requested ahead of casting. "It's blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, 'What's your preferences?' So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest," he said. "And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.' 'Oh Mel, you can't, you know, this is not the 'Silver Bachelor.' It's the 'Golden Bachelor.' He goes, 'But they're going to be hot, don't worry about it. Don't worry about it.'" Additionally, Owens said he expects the contestants to all be in good shape. WATCH: 'GOLDEN BACHELOR' GERRY TURNER SAYS NEW LEAD WILL BE 'CHEATING HIMSELF' IF HE CUTS WOMEN 60 AND OVER "I had no resume, but they asked me, what is my, like, my profile?" Owens said. "Well, they got to be fit because I stay in shape. [They] should work out and stuff. And I told them, you know, try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs, you know, that kind of stuff, right? "Well, I don't think there are going to be artificial hips or wigs there, right? Because I know there's amazing women out there." Turner said he's confident ABC wouldn't cast a lead who is that "shallow." "His comments about anybody that's had a hip replacement or has a wig or anything like that, I really don't believe that the ABC producers in casting, particularly casting that I have a high level of confidence with, I don't think they would be casting a person who has that shallow of a perspective. I think some of [Owens' comments] requires some context, and it may have been taken out of context and so forth." "But bottom line is, I hope he does look at it differently because if he doesn't, I think he'll be cheating himself." During the first season of the show, the ladies vying for Turner's heart were between 60 and 75 years old. Turner married contestant Theresa Nist shortly after the finale, but the couple got divorced three months later. Despite the failed relationship, Turner is grateful for his experience and hopes Owens can take a page from his playbook. "If he treats each and every one of them with courtesy and respect and is a good listener, pays attention to them and so forth, and ignores their age number, I think it'll be fine," said Turner. "Everyone that gets thrown into this situation has to find their own way. I was fortunate enough, I had very good mentoring on the show. I had people that carefully moved me through some of the pitfalls that maybe Mel hasn't quite avoided as much because I remember specifically being told just, 'Gerry, ignore the age thing,' that 'You'll really find beautiful women of all ages in the show.' And I think he will as well." These days, Turner — who was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer last year — has found love again and is living life to the fullest. WATCH: 'GOLDEN BACHELOR' GERRY TURNER GUSHES ABOUT HIS NEW LOVE, SAYS SHE MAKES LIFE 'EVEN BETTER' "I decided that I wasn't going to say 'no' to anything," Turner said of his change in perspective after his diagnosis. "Anything that came along, any trip, any chance to have fun, anything that I could do, I was going to take it on. Because I felt myself, even before the diagnosis, I was starting to get to that couch potato point where it was a little nicer to sit at home and do nothing than go out and fight whatever challenge it was to travel. And that's really been quite a change for me." "So now something comes along, I say 'yes' to it," he added. "I'm going to go. I'm going to do. So every day is a gift." Turner, who recently started dating Indiana native Lana Sutton, said he's "happy" with where his life is taking him now. "She has more energy than I do. She needs less sleep than I do. I really think she's a more logical thinker than I am, which I think that's a lot. But the nice part is we think and we approach things very similarly, so we don't have any conflicts as we're trying to make decisions and so forth. We generally arrive at the same place, sometimes not the same way, but usually the same place." "With Lana now in the picture, she makes [life] even better. It's so good to have a partner that understands and is in it with you 100% and so forth. So it took me a while to get to this point, but I'm pretty happy with where I am."
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Golden Bachelor' Mel Owens said he would 'cut' anyone over 60. Here's what he gets wrong about midlife dating
When The Golden Bachelor premiered, many viewers hoped it would offer a refreshing take on love later in life. But when the most recent Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens, made some alarming comments last month (primarily about the contestants' ages and appearances) it was a stark reminder for women, especially in their 50s and 60s, of just how misogynistic and ageist the dating scene can be. '[The producers] asked me, 'What's your preference?' So I just said 45 to 60, just being honest,' Owens, 66, told host Jon Jansen on the "In the Trenches" podcast. 'We had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.'' 'Well, they got to be fit because I stay in shape, should work out and stuff," he continued. "And I told them, you know, try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs, you know, that kind of stuff, right?' Psychotherapist Jason Fierstein says while it's important to remember that The Golden Bachelor is a TV show, Owens's comments are 'somewhat' reflective of broader cultural attitudes. 'I do think that this kind of thinking correlates with male loneliness and depression, especially at [Owens's] age,' he says. 'I've seen several narcissistic men in this age range say the same things — that they're looking for someone 'hot' and 20 years younger. They may very well get that kind of partner, especially if they have money to offer, but does that really provide real love and lasting connection?' It's a question the show flirts with, but even as audiences get swept up in the romance of lavish dinner dates and whirlwind courtships, Owens's comments reveal something more troubling and something many women over 50 already know too well: being told they're too old to be considered desirable. With so much emphasis placed on youth, fitness and sexual appeal, it's no wonder that dating can feel discouraging for older women. Why are men skeptical to date women over 60 — or 50, or 45? Where does this mindset come from? Fierstein says that for many men, it boils down to fear. 'Men are afraid of aging and death,' he says. 'I think the whole idea of women having an 'expiration date' — like they're cartons of milk — is another form of objectification. It's a way for men to avoid taking responsibility for their own aging process. Getting older means losing control, and that terrifies a lot of men, especially those who have spent their lives chasing power and status.' It's a way for men to avoid taking responsibility for their own aging process. Getting older means losing control, and that terrifies a lot of Fierstein, psychotherapist From an evolutionary standpoint, Fierstein adds, older men often view relationships with younger women as a way to preserve virility and a sense of relevance. 'It becomes a psychological buffer against aging,' he says. 'If younger women want to be with you, it makes you feel desirable, powerful and even immortal, in a way. It's also about legacy and permanence.' Where does that leave aging women looking for love and companionship? According to Bela Gandhi — relationship expert at DateMyAge, founder of Smart Dating Academy and host of the Smart Dating Academy podcast — we shouldn't accept the belief that we're 'too old' to be desired. Instead, we should eliminate it. Shifting the 'too old' narrative 'First, we need to recognize that the belief that we're 'too old' is rooted in societal messaging — not truth,' she says. 'I remind women daily that attraction isn't just about age; it's about connection, shared values and emotional availability.' She encourages women to ditch internalized narratives like: 'My value decreases as I age,' 'men only want younger women' and, especially, 'it's too late for me.' The truth? Your life experience, resilience and clarity increase your desirability. She's says that's something she's seen firsthand with clients — love stories of women in their 70s finding connection with men their own age, and even younger. 'If someone doesn't want you because of your 'number,' bless and release them. We want someone who will adore and treasure us.' And while she acknowledges that dating spaces still often spotlight youth — and that culturally (and evolutionarily) we've been conditioned to link desirability with youthfulness, especially for women — she believes that narrative is finally shifting. 'In fact, the latest research from DateMyAge, a virtual platform for people 45+, shows that 84 per cent of older Americans say they're more confident in what they want as they age, and that confidence is magnetic,' she says. 'Older women bring something far more valuable than just looks. They bring wisdom, clarity, emotional intelligence and an incredible sense of self. Confidence is the new sexy. I always tell my clients: What's youthful about you isn't your age — it's your energy and your spark,' she says. That self-confidence, Fierstein adds, is something emotionally mature men deeply value. Older women bring something far more valuable than just looks. They bring wisdom, clarity, emotional intelligence and an incredible sense of self. Confidence is the new Gandhi, relationship expert 'I think men who lack the insight or the sophistication into knowing themselves will tend to choose superficially, and not choose older women who would be more on par with them emotionally, intellectually, with their values or shared sense of the world,' he says. 'I think more emotionally mature men would choose older women because they're not threatened by what an older woman could bring to their lives, and they can see past some of the superficiality and pure physical/sexual attraction component to see a woman for all that they are — not just in those ways.' 50+ dating challenges? Advice If you feel disheartened by ageism in dating, Gandhi says 'ageism says more about them than you.' 'The key is to surround yourself with affirming spaces and people — both online and offline. Focus on people and platforms that celebrate your age group, and remember that meaningful love isn't a numbers game; it's about quality, not quantity,' she continues. 'Keep showing up as your authentic, beautiful self. And lean into your courage — making the first move isn't just OK; it's empowering!' One of Gandhi's favourite client success stories is that of a woman in her early 50s who came to her after a difficult divorce. 'She initially believed she was 'too old' for love and nearly gave up,' Gandhi recalls. 'But she committed to shifting her mindset, embraced dating with joy and curiosity and focused on what she wanted in a partner — and what would make her feel happy — rather than what she feared. "She even made the first move on an app. And guess what? She met an incredible man who adores her exactly as she is. They're now planning a wedding.' Her story, Gandhi says, proves what she's witnessed time and again: Love has no expiration date. 'In fact, many of my happiest clients have found deep, lasting love after 50,' she says. 'It's never too late to write your next love story.'
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
'Golden Bachelor' Mel Owens said he would 'cut' anyone over 60. Here's what he gets wrong about midlife dating
When The Golden Bachelor premiered, many viewers hoped it would offer a refreshing take on love later in life. But when the most recent Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens, made some alarming comments last month (primarily about the contestants' ages and appearances) it was a stark reminder for women, especially in their 50s and 60s, of just how misogynistic and ageist the dating scene can be. '[The producers] asked me, 'What's your preference?' So I just said 45 to 60, just being honest,' Owens, 66, told host Jon Jansen on the "In the Trenches" podcast. 'We had lunch with the executive producer. I said, 'You know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.'' 'Well, they got to be fit because I stay in shape, should work out and stuff," he continued. "And I told them, you know, try to stay away from the artificial hips and the wigs, you know, that kind of stuff, right?' Psychotherapist Jason Fierstein says while it's important to remember that The Golden Bachelor is a TV show, Owens's comments are 'somewhat' reflective of broader cultural attitudes. 'I do think that this kind of thinking correlates with male loneliness and depression, especially at [Owens's] age,' he says. 'I've seen several narcissistic men in this age range say the same things — that they're looking for someone 'hot' and 20 years younger. They may very well get that kind of partner, especially if they have money to offer, but does that really provide real love and lasting connection?' It's a question the show flirts with, but even as audiences get swept up in the romance of lavish dinner dates and whirlwind courtships, Owens's comments reveal something more troubling and something many women over 50 already know too well: being told they're too old to be considered desirable. With so much emphasis placed on youth, fitness and sexual appeal, it's no wonder that dating can feel discouraging for older women. Why are men skeptical to date women over 60 — or 50, or 45? Where does this mindset come from? Fierstein says that for many men, it boils down to fear. 'Men are afraid of aging and death,' he says. 'I think the whole idea of women having an 'expiration date' — like they're cartons of milk — is another form of objectification. It's a way for men to avoid taking responsibility for their own aging process. Getting older means losing control, and that terrifies a lot of men, especially those who have spent their lives chasing power and status.' It's a way for men to avoid taking responsibility for their own aging process. Getting older means losing control, and that terrifies a lot of Fierstein, psychotherapist From an evolutionary standpoint, Fierstein adds, older men often view relationships with younger women as a way to preserve virility and a sense of relevance. 'It becomes a psychological buffer against aging,' he says. 'If younger women want to be with you, it makes you feel desirable, powerful and even immortal, in a way. It's also about legacy and permanence.' Where does that leave aging women looking for love and companionship? According to Bela Gandhi — relationship expert at DateMyAge, founder of Smart Dating Academy and host of the Smart Dating Academy podcast — we shouldn't accept the belief that we're 'too old' to be desired. Instead, we should eliminate it. Shifting the 'too old' narrative 'First, we need to recognize that the belief that we're 'too old' is rooted in societal messaging — not truth,' she says. 'I remind women daily that attraction isn't just about age; it's about connection, shared values and emotional availability.' She encourages women to ditch internalized narratives like: 'My value decreases as I age,' 'men only want younger women' and, especially, 'it's too late for me.' The truth? Your life experience, resilience and clarity increase your desirability. She's says that's something she's seen firsthand with clients — love stories of women in their 70s finding connection with men their own age, and even younger. 'If someone doesn't want you because of your 'number,' bless and release them. We want someone who will adore and treasure us.' And while she acknowledges that dating spaces still often spotlight youth — and that culturally (and evolutionarily) we've been conditioned to link desirability with youthfulness, especially for women — she believes that narrative is finally shifting. 'In fact, the latest research from DateMyAge, a virtual platform for people 45+, shows that 84 per cent of older Americans say they're more confident in what they want as they age, and that confidence is magnetic,' she says. 'Older women bring something far more valuable than just looks. They bring wisdom, clarity, emotional intelligence and an incredible sense of self. Confidence is the new sexy. I always tell my clients: What's youthful about you isn't your age — it's your energy and your spark,' she says. That self-confidence, Fierstein adds, is something emotionally mature men deeply value. Older women bring something far more valuable than just looks. They bring wisdom, clarity, emotional intelligence and an incredible sense of self. Confidence is the new Gandhi, relationship expert 'I think men who lack the insight or the sophistication into knowing themselves will tend to choose superficially, and not choose older women who would be more on par with them emotionally, intellectually, with their values or shared sense of the world,' he says. 'I think more emotionally mature men would choose older women because they're not threatened by what an older woman could bring to their lives, and they can see past some of the superficiality and pure physical/sexual attraction component to see a woman for all that they are — not just in those ways.' 50+ dating challenges? Advice If you feel disheartened by ageism in dating, Gandhi says 'ageism says more about them than you.' 'The key is to surround yourself with affirming spaces and people — both online and offline. Focus on people and platforms that celebrate your age group, and remember that meaningful love isn't a numbers game; it's about quality, not quantity,' she continues. 'Keep showing up as your authentic, beautiful self. And lean into your courage — making the first move isn't just OK; it's empowering!' One of Gandhi's favourite client success stories is that of a woman in her early 50s who came to her after a difficult divorce. 'She initially believed she was 'too old' for love and nearly gave up,' Gandhi recalls. 'But she committed to shifting her mindset, embraced dating with joy and curiosity and focused on what she wanted in a partner — and what would make her feel happy — rather than what she feared. "She even made the first move on an app. And guess what? She met an incredible man who adores her exactly as she is. They're now planning a wedding.' Her story, Gandhi says, proves what she's witnessed time and again: Love has no expiration date. 'In fact, many of my happiest clients have found deep, lasting love after 50,' she says. 'It's never too late to write your next love story.'
