“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 search 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 Day by day Mail, Fabiana didn’t maintain again. “Good luck,” she stated bluntly. “I imply, it’s going to be unhealthy. However anyway, I don’t wish to be concerned on this.”
In keeping with court docket 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 court docket ordered Mel to pay almost $1 million to Fabiana, $980,000 to be precise, by February 28, 2025. That sum reportedly contains unpaid baby and spousal help, division of property, and legal professional charges. Mel additionally saved the couple’s Orange County house, now value over $2 million, in addition to financial institution accounts in his identify and his agency’s identify.
On the time of the settlement, Mel Owens claimed he was solely making $1,000 per 30 days, however had belongings totaling over $2.75 million. Fabiana, in the meantime, was estimated to be incomes almost $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 dealing with.
The previous linebacker lately sparked main backlash after making ageist remarks on the “MGoBlue” podcast. When requested about his courting preferences, Owens stated flatly, “In the event that they’re 60 or over, I’m slicing them.”
He elaborated, saying he most popular ladies between 45 and 60 and requested producers keep away from casting ladies with “synthetic hips and wigs.” His feedback drew rapid 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. Any such power will damage it.”
Followers Demand ‘Golden Bachelor’ Alternative
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Others echoed her issues, calling out the hypocrisy of casting a person who brazenly dismisses ladies his personal age.
“Primarily based on his podcast interview, I gained’t be watching or supporting,” one fan wrote. “We have to cease supporting males who suppose they’re so nice that they gained’t date ladies their very own age. This dude wants to return house.”
One other added, “We have to cease supporting males who suppose they’re too good up to now ladies their age.”
“That is so unhappy. I can’t imagine they knew this man didn’t need a golden girl and solid him anyway,” another person wrote. “Please substitute him for somebody who appreciates ladies of a sure age, which is all the level of this present.”
Regardless of the uproar, ABC confirmed to Day by 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 steer 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 legal professional 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 general 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 damage legal professional in Orange County, California.
Regardless of his accomplishments in each athletics and regulation, Owens considers fatherhood his best achievement. Following the demise of his father and the tip of his almost two-decade-long marriage, he devoted himself to elevating his two sons, teaching their sports activities groups and being a continuing 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 are actually 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 must wait and see.
