New York: When The Golden Bachelor Podcast was announced, one comment made by lead Mel Owens in a podcast sparked immediate backlash and became a major talking point for the series.
On the “In the Trenches” podcast (aired in June), Owens was asked about the kind of women he hoped to meet on the show. He replied that his preferred age range was 45 to 60. More controversially, he added: “If they’re 60 and over, I’m cutting them.”
But that wasn’t all. He also commented (in the same interview) about women who have artificial hips or wigs, implying a preference for contestants who are more “natural” and physically capable.
Taken together, those remarks caused many viewers—and the contestants—to see his comments as ageist and insensitive, especially since The Golden Bachelor is a show built around mature adults.
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The Fallout & How the Show Addressed It
From day one on camera, Mel had to confront the consequences of his words. During the Season 2 premiere, he publicly apologized to the cast. He said:
“I messed up. I was wrong. I replay it in my head a lot. I have regrets and I’m sorry for all the things I said in the podcast.”
“Age really doesn’t matter. When they walk out, I’m not thinking (about their) age. I’m looking … for connection. It’s the chemistry.”
He asked the women, as a group, whether they could forgive him and allow him to earn back their trust. Many of the female contestants addressed his comments directly—some with hurt, others with cautious openness.
The atmosphere quickly became tense. Diane (71) confronted him, asking bluntly: “What the puck was that interview?” Terri even used a puppet to tease him about underestimating women over 60.
In some ways, the show turned the controversy into an in-show drama that the contestants would process in real time.
Why His Words Struck a Nerve
There are a few reasons why his podcast comments caused such a stir:
- Age is front and center
Unlike many shows, The Golden Bachelor is meant for older adults. A comment that suggested “if you’re 60 or over, you don’t cut” felt dismissive and contradictory to the show’s spirit. - Physical criteria and “natural” standards
Calling out “artificial hips” and “wigs” was seen by many as reducing value to appearance or health alone. It felt harsh and exclusionary to some. - Lack of context / poor phrasing
Mel later acknowledged he’d been out of the dating world and didn’t realize how harmful his phrasing would sound. He admits those comments were a mistake, and that they don’t fully reflect who he is.
For many, it was less about whether someone had a hip replacement or cosmetic hair than it was about the underlying attitude: “You’re okay if you look and act in certain ways.”
Can He Recover from This?
It’s still early in the season, but evidence suggests he’s trying. His early apology, the way he addressed the women directly, and his repeated statements that “spirit has no age” show a willingness to learn.
Some contestants have already voiced a willingness to see past his podcast remarks. Cindy (60), for instance, acknowledged she was offended—but said she believed people deserve a second chance. Others remain skeptical and watch him closely.
One powerful moment: during a roast-themed group date, the women humorously and pointedly mocked many of his past remarks—bringing the podcast controversy into the show’s narrative in real time. This kind of “in your face” confrontation places pressure on Mel to show sincerity—not just carefully worded statements.
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What Mel Owens said in that podcast was provocative. His desire to exclude women over 60, and comments about artificial hips and wigs, crossed a line for many viewers and contestants. But what matters now is how he responds—how honestly and humbly he works to repair trust.
So far, he’s acknowledged his error, apologized publicly, and tried to confront the issue head-on on the show. Whether that’s enough—whether he can truly redeem himself in the eyes of the women and the audience—remains to be seen.
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