Golden Bachelor Mel Owens Draws Criticism Over Age Cutoff

Mel Owens, the 66-year-old former NFL player and the new star of ABC's "The Golden Bachelor" Season 2, has sparked controversy after revealing he will only date women aged 45 to 60, explicitly stating he will "cut" women over 60. Owens shared his preferences during podcast appearances, emphasizing his desire for fit women without artificial hips or wigs, which has led to accusations of ageism and criticism from fans who feel this contradicts the show's original message of genuine romance for seniors. Despite producers reportedly assuring Owens that the women cast would be attractive regardless of age and advising him not to use harsh terms like "cut," the backlash on social media and forums has been strong, with viewers calling for a lead more accepting of older women. This controversy has raised questions about ABC's casting decisions and the direction of the show, which initially garnered praise for showcasing mature love without superficial limitations. Owens defended his preferences as honest and part of his lifestyle, but many in the audience see it as undermining the inclusivity that made the franchise appealing. The network has not publicly responded to the criticism as of now.