GOLDEN Bachelor Mel Owens’ fate has been revealed as rumors spread he’s been fired over ‘misogynistic’ comments.
After the 66-year-old former NFL player proudly boasted that he would “cut” any women above the age of 60 from his season, reports have surfaced that Mel has been dropped as the lead.
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Last month, Mel made shocking comments in a podcast interview about the women on his season that fans felt were “misogynistic” and “ageist.”
The interview sparked backlash amongst Bachelor Nation and on Wednesday, TV blogger and famous Bachelor spoiler, Reality Steve, reported that Mel was fired from the show.
However, The U.S. Sun can exclusively reveal that the news is not true, and Mel will indeed continue his role as The Golden Bachelor.
The decision was not unanimous, as a production insider claimed that some staffers at the network felt Mel’s remarks “set up a misogynistic and ageist tone.”
“That tone is the opposite of the direction they want to head in going into the new season.
“Some people stepped in and tried to talk to him and reason with him after that interview.
“Mel doesn't realize how much stress his comments have caused this huge team. It's been horrible,” the source claimed.
Despite the stress, ABC is standing by Mel and will begin production of the upcoming Golden Bachelor season with him this month.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to ABC for comment.
On Wednesday, famous Bachelor spoiler, Reality Steve, claimed that Mel was fired over his podcast interview.
"I’m hearing that Mel Owens is OUT as the Golden Bachelor due to recent negative publicity surrounding his June 4th podcast appearance.
"Expect an announcement soon including who is going to replace him. Haven’t heard a name yet on who that is. Will update if/when I hear," the reality TV blogger posted on his social media.
Golden Bachelor Mel Owens wears sweats as he runs errands near his California home in first sighting since big TV role
Mel, who is now working as an attorney, made his views of women's ages known on In The Trenches, a podcast for the University of Michigan athletics department.
The former pro athlete admitted: "It's blind up until they get out of the limo. But they asked me, 'what's your preferences?' So, I just said 45 to 60, just being honest.
"And then the process went, and I was selected, right? And then we had lunch with the executive producer.
"I said, 'you know, if they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them.' They go: 'Oh Mel, you can't, you know, this is not the Silver Bachelor.'
"It’s the Golden Bachelor. He goes, but 'they're going to be hot, don’t worry about it. Don't worry about it.'"
Fans were furious about the comments, which appear to defeat the whole point of the dating show that aims to help seniors find love despite their age.
The Golden Bachelor contestants
In 2023, the world was introduced to its first Golden Bachelor, Gerry Turner.
Meet all of the women who were competing for Gerry's heart.
- Theresa Nist (WINNER)
- Leslie Fhima (RUNNER UP)
- Faith Martin
- Ellen Goltzer
- Sandra Mason
- Susan Noles
- April Kirkwood
- Kathy Swarts
- Nancy Hulkower
- Christina Kempton
- Edith Aguirre
- Joan Vassos (FIRST GOLDEN BACHELORETTE)
- Jeanie Howard
- Natascha Hardee
- Peggy Dercole
- Marina Perera
- Anna Zalk
- Maria Trice
- Pamela Burns
- Patty James
- Renee Halverson-Wright
- Sylvia Robledo
Theresa and Gerry got married in January live on ABC. Four months later, the two announced they were getting a divorce.
"Wow I hope ABC fires him before highlighting this misogynistic man on national TV," one angry online user wrote.
"He is literally the prototype of every douchey, aging frat boy who wears Tommy Bahamas on the weekend and idolizes Jimmy Buffet," a critic wrote.
"Oh you better cut him," another warned while one more agreed: "Please let go of this man and do not force him on our screens. Garbage."
Mel, 66, will be the second Golden Bachelor following Gerry Turner's run as the lead last year.
Gerry, who was 72 at the time of filming, had women between the ages of 60 and 75 on his season.
He ultimately ended up with Theresa Nist, 70, and had a televised wedding before the couple divorced in June 2024.
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