‘Golden Bachelor’ Booed During Date, Fans Vow Boycott
Fans’ excitement over a new Golden Bachelor season didn’t last long. Former NFL player Mel Owens was named as the new lead. But in his first interview after the announcement, he made scathing comments about dating older women. He said that he would send home any contestant over the age of 60.
The ageist comments were met with immediate backlash. He issued an apology, but the negative reaction while filming the show hints that all is not forgiven. Longtime viewers have vowed to boycott the new season in protest.
ABC Stands By Mel Owens Despite Controversy
The premise of The Golden Bachelor was to give the older generation another chance at finding love later in life. Gerry Turner was the lead for the first season and had a mix of women between the ages of 60 and 75.
But according to the new Golden Bachelor, 60 is too old. Mel Owens said on a podcast that his idea age range was 45 to 60, and any woman over 60 would be “cut” from his contestant pool.
His comments went viral on social media. Even the ladies from The View shared their disgust at the comments. Blogger Reality Steve reported that ABC fired Mel Owens in response to the backlash. However, that was proven false.
Season 2 of Bachelor In Paradise started filming last month. Click here to see photos from one of the solo dates.
Golden Bachelor Star Mercilessly Booed
Mel Owens’ first one-on-one date was with a contestant named Peg. According to her ABC bio, she’s 62. It seems Mel Owens took Gerry Turner’s advice about reconsidering an age limit.
Reality Steve posted a new clip from the date with Peg and Mel. The two were welcomed on stage at the Orange County fair during KC & The Sunshine Band’s performance.
Audible boos can be heard from the crowd. The audience either knew about Mel’s ageist comments or were angry that the date interrupted their favorite band. Mel offered Peg a rose, and spoiler alert – she accepted it.
(GOLDEN BACHELOR SPOILER): More from Mel’s 1-on-1 date at the Orange County Fair Thursday night. KC & The Sunshine Band brought them on stage…to quite a few boos. Peg accepted the rose. pic.twitter.com/q69JHE8PSS
— RealitySteve (@RealitySteve) August 2, 2025
Fans Vow To Boycott
During his apology tour, Mel Owens said that he apologized to the women (and presumably the audience) during the first night at the Bachelor mansion. But will it be enough?
Angry fans took to social media to react to ABC going ahead with Mel Owens as the next Golden Bachelor. One fan called for a mass boycott and received a lot of responses in agreement.
- “I can’t believe they didn’t replace him. I will not be watching.”
- “I’m so mad-I thought they replaced him! Will NOT be watching”
- “I hope that they all realize that this guy is awful and they all leave him lonely and deserving nothing”
- “Was so looking forward to another golden season but at this point you couldn’t pay me to watch him.”
- “Definitely not wasting a second of my time watching this sorry excuse for a man.”
Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor premieres on Wednesday, September 24. Will you be watching?
- ‘BIP’ Alum Joe Amabile Reveals Frankenstein Brain Surgery Scar - September 10, 2026
- ‘Summer House’ Amanda Batula Fires Back After Fans Question Her Drinking - September 9, 2026
- Colton Underwood Praises New Chapter In Life - September 9, 2026