Golden Bachelor Season 2: Mel Owens Faces Backlash Over Age Remarks

Mel Owens, a 66 year old former NFL linebacker turned attorney, will lead Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor when the ABC spinoff premieres Wednesday night, but his runup to the show has been dominated by controversy after preseason podcast comments in June in which he said he would "cut" any contestant aged 60 or older. The remark, which also included a reference to avoiding "artificial hips and wigs," prompted an online backlash and calls from some viewers to replace him as the series prepares to air at 8 p.m. Eastern with episodes available on streaming the next day.

Owens has since walked back the comments and apologized, saying he addressed the issue directly with the women on the first night at the mansion. Production sources said the lead remained in place despite the criticism and filming proceeded through the summer. Casting records show 23 women were brought onto the season, and all but one are ages 60 and older, underscoring the tension between Owens initial stated preference and the actual cast composition.

The controversy began after clips of Owens speaking on preseason podcasts circulated widely on social media. Fans reacted sharply on platforms such as X, calling the...