Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens, 66, faces backlash after refusing to date women over 60
New Golden Bachelor in hot water before season even begins
- The new Golden Bachelor, Mel Owens, sparked controversy after revealing his mandatory age range for female contestants.
- Owens stated in a podcast that he would eliminate women aged 60 or over, preferring contestants between 45 and 60.
- He justified his preference by saying the show is 'The Golden Bachelor,' not 'The Silver Bachelor,' and that participants should be 'fit,' avoiding 'artificial hips and wigs.'
- Fans on social media platform X criticised Owens's comments as 'shallow' and some called for him to be replaced as the show's lead.
- Owens was announced as the lead for the second season of the successful ABC reality dating show in April, with the season set to premiere on 24 September.