Golden Bachelor Mel Owens Faces Fan Backlash Over Age Limits

Mel Owens, the 66-year-old lead of the upcoming season of The Golden Bachelor, has sparked backlash for his ageist remarks about his dating preferences on the show. Owens revealed on a podcast that he plans to exclude women aged 60 and over from the competition, stating he told producers, "If they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them," and emphasizing his preference for women between 45 and 60. He also mentioned that contestants must be physically fit, advising producers to avoid women with "artificial hips and wigs." These comments drew criticism from fans and viewers, who called for Owens to be recast, arguing that his expectations seem unrealistic and discriminatory, especially compared to the previous season where the lead, Gerry Turner, dated women well into their 70s. Producers reportedly tried to soften Owens' language by discouraging him from using the word "cut," but Owens defended it as an "NFL term." The controversy centers on ageism in senior dating and the contrast between Owens' standards and the inclusive spirit of the show.