The Golden Bachelor season 2 star Mel Owens received criticism for shocking demands that he made about the women of his season. Mel is a 66-year-old former NFL player who was selected as the ninth overall pick in the 1981 NFL Draft by the LA Rams.
The Golden Bachelor season 2 star Mel Owens is facing backlash for shocking demands that he made about the women of his season.
In an interview on the In the Trenches podcast, Mel made some controversial comments about what he was looking for in the women of The Golden Bachelor season 2. He revealed that, during the casting process, he told the producers that he preferred women aged "45 to 60…just being honest."
Mel then shared that, after he was selected to be the Golden Bachelor season 2 lead, he had lunch with an executive producer. He told him, "If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them."
Mel said that the executive producer responded, "Oh, Mel, you can't. You know, this is not the Silver Bachelor. This is the Golden Bachelor. But they're gonna be hot. Don't worry about it. Don't worry about it."
Mel also revealed that the executive producer told him, "You can't use the word cut." He said that he responded, "Well, that's an NFL term." Mel also shared that he doesn't know anything about the women because the executive producers were vetting the contestants. He said that he told the producer, "I know they're gonna be beautiful. I know they are."
Mel added that he's looking for "someone who's a lifetime learner. Enjoys to love life. And work out and stay fit. And eat and have fun. And be energetic and live life."
In the comments section of a TVLine article about Mel's comments, fans railed against the Golden Bachelor star. One person sarcastically wrote, "Can’t imagine why he’s single. He sounds like a real charmer." Another viewer wondered, "Why is he doing this show?"
Someone else added, "Thanks for the heads-up. Not going to waste my time watching someone like him. I feel bad for any of the women in his season. I just removed the series from my record list."
Another fan wondered why no one from The Golden Bachelorette season 1 was chosen as the lead instead of Mel, writing, "Ew. They really thought this was better than anyone from Joan’s cast?"
If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.
Has Mel Already Ruined His Season?
In addition, Mel's crass delivery of his physical requirements for the women is a real turn-off for fans of the franchise. He seems to only care about looks and only wants to date younger women. It's shocking and disappointing that someone who made such ageist comments was still cast as the lead of a show whose purpose is to break those stereotypes.
The backlash that Mel's already facing from Golden Bachelor fans means that his season might not do well. After too many controversial leads and contestants, Bachelor Nation is tired of disappointing seasons. The fact that some fans have already declared they're not watching is a terrible sign for the show. Mel might've already ruined his season before it even began.
Mel Should Be Replaced Before His Season Begins Filming
If Mel's Golden Bachelor season hasn't started filming yet, I think that he should be replaced before it starts. He doesn't fit the profile of the lead of the show because he's unwilling to date women in their golden years. In addition, Mel put too much emphasis on outside appearances when he was asked what he's looking for in a woman.
I don't understand why Mel agreed to be the Golden Bachelor if he didn't want to date women his own age. It's a red flag that could mean that Mel only signed up for the show for fame. The previous Golden leads Gerry Turner and Joan Vassos had inspiring stories, and I'm concerned that Mel will destroy the essence of the show.
Based on Mel's comments, I believe that he was the wrong choice to be The Golden Bachelor lead. He's already alienated the fan base by insulting older women. That's the complete opposite of what the show's original purpose was. I hope that The Golden Bachelor doesn't lose its magic with Mel as the lead.
