US EditionJesse Palmer Reacts to Golden Bachelor Mel Owens' Controversial Comments on Age Limit
UNITED STATES, JUL 2 – Mel Owens sparked controversy after stating he would exclude women over 60 from The Golden Bachelor, leading to network backlash and reported firing rumors in early July 2025.
- In early July, Reality Steve reported that Mel Owens was fired as Golden Bachelor lead just weeks before Season 2 production.
- After his June 4 podcast on In the Trenches, Owens told producers he would 'cut' women over 60, contradicting the show's theme of love in later years.
- Social media backlash on X shows widespread disapproval, with fans calling Owens' comments 'misogynistic' and 'ageist,' highlighting significant controversy.
- Despite firing reports, ABC says it is standing by Owens and will begin Season 2 production this month, though the show's launch timeline remains unclear.
- Beyond this season, fans debate whether ABC will reconsider casting norms following Owens' ageist comments, potentially impacting future franchise policies.
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18 Articles
‘The Golden Bachelor’ Host Jesse Palmer Reacts to New Star Mel Owens’ Controversial Comments | Just Jared: Celebrity News and Gossip
Jesse Palmer is speaking out in response to the controversial comments that upcoming The Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens made about being on the show. The 66-year-old former NFL player, who became a lawyer later in life, is not opening to dating a woman his age. Mel said in a new interview that he vowed to eliminate any woman over the age of 60. “‘If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them,’” Mel told a producer of the show. He also added, “This is …
Jesse Palmer Gives Updates on 'Bachelor' Franchise — Including Golden's Mel
There’s never a dull moment in Bachelor Nation. As franchise host Jesse Palmer geared up for the return of Bachelor in Paradise (with the help of bartender Wells Adams and “Paradise Relations” Hannah Brown), Us Weekly asked Jesse about the upcoming Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens after he made waves for comments about “cutting” women over the age of 60 when he starts handing out roses. “I’ve seen the headlines, obviously, because I’m on social me…
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