As the hype builds for season 2 of The Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens remains optimistic that Bachelor Nation will embrace his cast.
“These women are exceptional, and viewers will quickly see why,” the 66-year-old bachelor shared with Us Weekly ahead of the premiere on Wednesday, September 24. “They are the real stars of the show—fiery, intelligent, and passionate. Trust me, this season has a lot of compelling moments waiting to unfold. Don’t miss it!”
However, Mel did stir a pot of controversy back in June with comments made during a podcast, where he expressed a preference for dating women aged 45 to 60. On the premiere, he’ll meet women aged 58 to 77, while humorously requesting producers to avoid wigs and artificial hips.
This prompted some fans to voice their discontent on social media, declaring their intention to boycott the show. The situation escalated to the point where misleading rumors circulated about Mel being recast.
“I don’t often engage with social media, so when people began sending me screenshots of the uproar, I was surprised,” Mel explained to Us. “I was reassured that ABC and Warner Brothers had faith in me, and I’m thrilled about this season’s possibilities.”
When asked about his current dating philosophy, Mel responded candidly: “I’m open to whatever comes my way.”
“At 39, I stepped away from dating, and now at 66, there’s been a quarter-century gap. The women I meet are accomplished, humorous, and intelligent, making our shared experiences feel genuinely refreshing.”
He also reflected on their eagerness to give him another chance and their mutual understanding as they navigate this new chapter together.
Previously married to Fabiana Owens for 17 years, Mel’s divorce in 2020 marked a significant change in his life as he and his ex-wife share two sons.
Host Jesse Palmer offered warmth as he spoke about Mel’s interactions with his children, stating, “It’s lovely to see their unique bond. He’s at a special juncture in his life where he can focus more on finding companionship as his kids prepare for college.”
For further insights, catch the video above. The Golden Bachelor airs on ABC Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET.
