“Golden Bachelor” Mel Owens is already stirring controversy, and his season hasn’t even began filming.
The 66-year-old former NFL participant was introduced as the subsequent star of “The Golden Bachelor,” following within the footsteps of Gerry Turner. However not like his predecessor, Owens’ journey to seek out love is off to a rocky begin, drawing criticism from Bachelor Nation, Hollywood stars, and now, his ex-wife.
Fabiana Owens, who was married to Mel Owens for 17 years, isn’t precisely rooting for his televised love story.
Mel Owens’ Ex Speaks Out As ‘Golden Bachelor’ Faces Backlash Over Ageist Feedback
When contacted by the Daily Mail, Fabiana didn’t maintain again. “Good luck,” she mentioned bluntly. “I imply, it’s going to be dangerous. However anyway, I don’t wish to be concerned on this.”
In keeping with courtroom paperwork obtained by the outlet, Fabiana and Mel’s divorce was finalized simply seven months in the past, in December 2024, after a grueling four-year authorized battle. The 2 married in 2002 and share two sons, Lucas, 19, and Andre, 18. Fabiana filed for divorce in February 2020, citing irreconcilable variations.
Although they now share joint custody, the courtroom ordered Mel to pay practically $1 million to Fabiana, $980,000 to be precise, by February 28, 2025. That sum reportedly consists of unpaid youngster and spousal help, division of property, and lawyer charges. Mel additionally stored the couple’s Orange County residence, now price over $2 million, in addition to financial institution accounts in his title and his agency’s title.
On the time of the settlement, Mel Owens claimed he was solely making $1,000 per thirty days, however had property totaling over $2.75 million. Fabiana, in the meantime, was estimated to be incomes practically $7,000 month-to-month.
Owens Slammed For Ageist ‘Golden Bachelor’ Feedback
Fabiana’s frosty response to Mel Owens’ “Golden Bachelor” casting isn’t the one warmth he’s going through.
The previous linebacker just lately sparked main backlash after making ageist remarks on the “MGoBlue” podcast. When requested about his relationship preferences, Owens mentioned flatly, “In the event that they’re 60 or over, I’m slicing them.”
He elaborated, saying he most popular girls between 45 and 60 and requested producers keep away from casting girls with “synthetic hips and wigs.” His feedback drew fast criticism from followers and fellow celebs alike.
“Promoting Sundown” star Chrishell Stause slammed the casting on Instagram, writing, “We love ‘The Golden Bachelor’ due to how healthful it’s. This sort of power will destroy it.”
Followers Demand ‘Golden Bachelor’ Substitute
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Others echoed her issues, calling out the hypocrisy of casting a man who openly dismisses women his own age.
“Based mostly on his podcast interview, I gained’t be watching or supporting,” one fan wrote. “We have to cease supporting males who assume they’re so nice that they gained’t date girls their very own age. This dude wants to return residence.”
One other added, “We have to cease supporting males who assume they’re too good to this point girls their age.”
“That is so unhappy. I can’t imagine they knew this man didn’t desire a golden girl and solid him anyway,” another person wrote. “Please exchange him for somebody who appreciates girls of a sure age, which is the whole level of this present.”
Regardless of the uproar, ABC confirmed to Every day Mail that Mel Owens has not been changed, and filming for the season will start later this summer time as deliberate.
Mel Owens Steps Into The Highlight As The Subsequent ‘Golden Bachelor’
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Mel Owens is buying and selling authorized briefs for love letters as he prepares to guide the upcoming season of “The Golden Bachelor.”
Formally introduced earlier this 12 months throughout Hulu’s “Get Actual Home” presentation, the 66-year-old former NFL linebacker and lawyer would be the second-ever lead within the senior spinoff of “The Bachelor,” following within the footsteps of fan-favorite Gerry Turner.
A proud Detroit native, Owens comes from a tight-knit Midwestern household and first made a reputation for himself on the soccer subject. He performed for the College of Michigan earlier than being drafted ninth total by the Los Angeles Rams within the 1981 NFL Draft. After a profitable skilled soccer profession, he pivoted to regulation and constructed a brand new chapter as a sports activities harm lawyer in Orange County, California.
Regardless of his accomplishments in each athletics and regulation, Owens considers fatherhood his biggest achievement. Following the loss of life of his father and the top of his practically two-decade-long marriage, he devoted himself to elevating his two sons, teaching their sports activities groups and being a relentless presence of their lives.
Followers Query If Mel Owens’ ‘Golden Bachelor’ Season Is Already On Skinny Ice
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Whereas Bachelor Nation prepares for “Bachelor in Paradise” to premiere July 7, many at the moment are questioning whether or not “The Golden Bachelor” will keep the identical heartwarming tone that made Gerry Turner’s season such successful, or if Mel Owens’ season is already on skinny ice.
Followers should wait and see.
