Mel Owens, the new star of ABC’s “Golden Bachelor,” recently made headlines for his candid remarks about dating preferences during a podcast appearance on “In the Trenches.” At 66 years old, Owens expressed a clear boundary on his dating criteria, stating that he is not interested in women over the age of 60.
“If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them,” he declared, emphasizing his desire for women aged 45 to 60. He mentioned that he had communicated these preferences to the show’s producers, aiming for honesty in the casting process.
Owens further specified the physical attributes he seeks, insisting that contenders must be fit—the kind of fitness he actively maintains through personal workouts. “They’ve got to be fit, because I stay in shape and work out and stuff,” he noted, adding a request for contestants without “artificial hips and wigs.”
Following his statements, Owens faced significant backlash on social media, primarily on X (formerly Twitter). Critics labeled his comments as ageist and superficial, with one user remarking, “Starting to explain why he’s 66 and single,” and another commenting, “Mel Owens & @ABCnetwork @GoldenBachABC can take their ageist BS & shove it!”
This season of “Golden Bachelor” marks a continuation of a series that has generated interest by showcasing mature individuals looking for love. In its previous season, 72-year-old Gerry Turner dated women aged 60 and above. Turner ultimately proposed to Theresa Nist, 71, although the couple announced their separation just three months into their marriage.
Speaking about their split, Turner shared insights during a joint interview on “Good Morning America,” where he confirmed their mutual decision to end their marriage. Nist reflected positively on their experience, acknowledging the support received from viewers that provided hope for many people watching the show.
As for Owens, his remarks have opened up discussions about ageism in dating, particularly in the context of a show designed to provide hope to older singles. The upcoming season promises to explore these dynamics further, potentially reshaping viewers’ perspectives on love in later life.
In a related development, Nist revealed in a December 2024 interview that she has been receiving attention from younger suitors since her appearance on the show. “I do get approached through Instagram direct messages, but you wouldn’t believe how young these guys are,” she shared, highlighting the ongoing complexities of dating post-appearance on a reality show.
