What Did the Golden Bachelor Say? Mel Owens’ Comments on Dating Older Women Explained

The Golden Bachelor is back for Season 2, but this time its star, Mel Owens, has sparked debate before the first rose was even handed out. Fans want to know what the Golden Bachelor said about dating women over 60 — and why his remarks caused backlash. Owens, a 66-year-old former NFL player turned lawyer, premieres as ABC’s newest lead tonight at 8 p.m. ET.

Owens’ journey began with excitement but turned controversial after a podcast interview in June. His comments about women’s age and appearance upset many Bachelor Nation fans and sparked calls for ABC to replace him. Despite the criticism, ABC stood by its choice, and Owens has since apologized.

Mel Owens’ Controversial Remarks Before Becoming the Golden Bachelor

Owens appeared on the MGoBlue podcast, where he shared his personal preferences for a partner. “They ask me, ‘What’s your preference?’ So I just said 45 to 60, just being honest,” he said. Then came the comment that drew the most attention: “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.”

He also discussed physical preferences, saying he was looking for a fit partner without “artificial hips and the wigs.” These remarks angered many viewers who felt he dismissed older women and made insensitive assumptions about physical appearance. Trusted outlets including ABC News and USA Today reported on the reaction, which quickly spread across social media.

Owens later admitted he misunderstood the show’s typical age range. Previous Golden Bachelor Gerry Turner was 72, and contestants were between 60 and 75. Owens told Glamour he hadn’t watched the show and assumed his dating “golden years” meant 45–60. “I hadn’t dated in 26 years, so I had no clue,” he said.

Before filming began, Owens addressed the women directly. “I apologized to the women on the show. It was unfair and insensitive,” he told Glamour. “I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance.” Many contestants reportedly accepted the apology.

Reaction and What It Means for Season 2

The controversy pushed ABC to defend its casting decision. Fans debated whether the show should replace Owens, but the network kept him as the lead. Owens told USA Today he never considered stepping down. “I never contemplated stepping away. They stood by me, and thankfully they did.”

Entertainment experts say the backlash could shape how Season 2 is viewed. Some expect the show to focus on redemption and second chances, while others warn that viewers might stay skeptical. Owens himself says he hopes his season will show “women in their golden years doing amazing things” and rebuild trust with audiences.

As Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor premieres, the question of what the Golden Bachelor said — and how he handled it — remains a defining storyline. Fans will watch to see if Owens proves his sincerity and earns the respect of the contestants and viewers.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What did the Golden Bachelor say about women over 60?

He said on a podcast that his dating preference was women ages 45 to 60 and added, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.”

Q2: Did Mel Owens apologize for his comments?

Yes. He apologized publicly and also to the women on the show before filming began, calling his comments unfair and insensitive.

Q3: Why did fans want ABC to replace him?

Fans believed his comments were ageist and disrespectful toward older women, conflicting with the spirit of the Golden Bachelor franchise.

Q4: How did ABC respond to the controversy?

ABC kept Owens as the Season 2 lead. The network stood by him despite calls for removal.

Q5: What can viewers expect this season?

The show will likely address his apology and focus on whether he can earn the trust of the contestants and audience.