‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens Breaks His Silence About Controversial Age Comments

Mel Owens is taking full responsibility for the remarks he made about the age range of women competing for his heart on “The Golden Bachelor.” He has recently issued apologies and is working to make amends with both contestants and fans.

The 66-year-old retired NFL player turned lawyer found himself in hot water after appearing on the MGoBlue Podcast, where he stated his dating preferences were between the ages of 45 and 60, and made additional comments that upset Bachelor Nation. Now, two months later, he’s addressing the backlash head-on with what he says is remorse and a commitment to doing better.

The turning point for Owens came when a longtime friend from Michigan confronted him about his comments. The 65-year-old attorney and Big 10 administrator didn’t hold back in her criticism, which ultimately opened his eyes to the impact of his words.

“She said, ‘What you said was insensitive, and it’s just not who you are,'” Owens told Glamour.”My reference of dating was 39, 40 years old. I hadn’t dated in 26, 27 years. That’s what I told her. She goes, ‘It doesn’t matter. You’ve said some things that are just incredibly wrong.’ And I go, ‘I’ve got to apologize.'”

Owens explained that his words stemmed from a fundamental misunderstanding of the show’s format and demographic. “I didn’t know anything about the Golden Bachelor ages,” he admitted to the publication. “I didn’t know the age range because I wasn’t watching it. I’m thinking, to me, the age range was 45 to 60. That’s my age range.”

The reality star revealed he was completely unfamiliar with the show’s history, including details about inaugural “Golden Bachelor” Gerry Turner’s journey. “I didn’t know that [Gerry Turner] got married and then divorced,” in the first season, he shared. “I didn’t know any of it.”

He Apologized to the Women

When filming began for his season, Owens immediately addressed his past comments with the women competing for his affection. His approach was direct and sincere, focusing on accountability rather than excuses.

“I apologized to the women on the show. When I first walked in, I addressed it,” he explained to Glamour. “I apologized to them. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance.'”

The response from contestants was largely positive, with many appreciating his willingness to take responsibility. “During our one-on-ones, 12 or 15 of them said, ‘We appreciate the apology, and it meant a lot to us,'” Owens shared.

The women also got their chance to express their feelings during a comedy roast date, where they didn’t hold back. “One of the dates was a roast. It was brutal. They were killing me,” he revealed. “One said, ‘Oh, when Mel was walking with me, he was using me as a cane.’ And I’m from Detroit, right? One said, ‘Like a Detroit pizza, he’s doughy, squishy, square, and crusty.'”