Did ‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens Hide His 20-Year Age Gap Marriage From the Women?

The “Golden Bachelor” finale has taken an unexpected twist as viewers question whether Mel Owens hid key details about his past marriage. During the Fantasy Suite date, finalist Cindy Cullers asked Mel about his late-in-life marriage — but the real surprise was how much younger his ex-wife is. This revelation has sparked major debate among fans and contestants alike, bringing Mel Owens’ ex-wife age gap into focus.

The conversation quickly grew tense when Mel, 66, was asked why he waited so long to get married. His answer seemed to sidestep an important fact: his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimentel Owens, is nearly 20 years younger. Viewers now wonder whether the women on the show knew about this significant detail before the finale was filmed.

Mel Owens’ Hidden Age Gap and Marriage History

According to court records and media reports, Mel Owens married Fabiana Pimentel Owens in 2002 when he was 43 and she was just 24. The couple’s two-decade marriage ended in divorce finalized in December 2024 after a long legal battle that began in 2020. The two share two sons, Lucas and Andre, and reportedly lived in Orange County, California.

Documents from the divorce revealed that Mel was ordered to pay nearly $1 million in child and spousal support, property division, and attorney’s fees. Despite claiming a modest income of $1,000 per month, Owens retained over $2.75 million in assets, including their $2 million home.

Fabiana, now in her mid-40s, commented briefly about Mel’s television appearance, saying, “Good luck. I mean, it’s going to be bad. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this,” according to a statement shared with the Daily Mail. Her remarks added another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama surrounding Owens’ personal life.

The Fantasy Suite Tension That Changed Everything

During the dinner segment of Mel and Cindy’s overnight date, Cindy’s question about why he “waited so long” to get married visibly shifted the tone. Owens, who appeared composed through most of the season, seemed caught off guard by the line of questioning. Cindy appeared to assume Mel had chosen to marry late in life, not realizing that his previous marriage was to a much younger woman.

Some fans believe the awkward moment might have ended Cindy’s chances of winning the final rose. On social media, viewers debated whether Owens deliberately avoided sharing his ex-wife’s age difference to protect his image. His previous comments about wanting contestants between 45 and 60 years old only fueled the speculation.

Reactions and Broader Discussion

The revelation has stirred conversations about honesty and expectations in later-life relationships. Many fans believe that transparency about past relationships — especially large age gaps — is crucial in shows like “The Golden Bachelor,” where sincerity is part of the appeal. Others argue that Mel’s private life before the show shouldn’t affect his search for love now.

Still, the timing of this information, arriving right before the finale’s conclusion, could affect how viewers perceive both Mel and the remaining women. As the second part of “The Golden Bachelor” Season 2 finale airs on November 12, fans are eager to see whether Cindy’s uncomfortable dinner questions will influence Mel’s final choice.

With the spotlight now on Mel Owens’ ex-wife age gap and his decision not to address it on camera, the finale promises to deliver emotional turns that could redefine his image as the show’s lead.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: Who is Mel Owens’ ex-wife?

Mel Owens’ ex-wife is Fabiana Pimentel Owens, nearly 20 years younger than him. They were married from 2002 until 2024.

Q2: How old was Mel Owens when he got married?

He was 43 years old when he married Fabiana in 2002. She was 24 at the time.

Q3: Did the women on “The Golden Bachelor” know about Mel’s ex-wife’s age?

It’s unclear. The show never addressed it, and Cindy’s questions suggested she didn’t know.

Q4: When does the “Golden Bachelor” finale air?

The second part of the Season 2 finale airs on Wednesday, November 12, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with streaming on Hulu the next day.

Q5: What was the outcome of Mel Owens’ divorce?

He was ordered to pay nearly $1 million in combined support and fees, but kept assets worth over $2.75 million.