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Mel Owens, the newest face of “The Golden Bachelor,” is working to address a recent controversy.
The former NFL linebacker, now reality star, faced backlash after expressing his preference for female contestants between the ages of 45 and 60.
Responding to the criticism, Owens, 66, explained his dating preferences.
During an interview with Glamour, Owens stated, “Because I didn’t know anything about The Golden Bachelor ages. I didn’t.”
He further elaborated, “I had watched the first show when I was younger, but then I stopped watching. So when they mentioned different seasons, I was unaware of the age range.”
Owens clarified that his idea of the “golden” years was based on his personal experience, not the show’s history.
“I’m thinking, to me, the age range was 45 to 60. That’s my age range. I’m thinking that’s the gold years for me. My reference, again, was when I was dating at 39, 40. I hadn’t dated in 26 years, so I had no clue. And that’s why I said that comment,” he admitted. “I didn’t know. I didn’t know. And I didn’t know that Gerry Turner, the original Golden Bachelor, got married and then divorced. I didn’t know any of it.”
“Golden Bachelor” star Mel Owens is addressing the controversy surrounding the current season. (John Nacion/WireImage)
While filming the upcoming season set to premiere in September, Owens took a proactive approach in addressing the issue.
“When I first walked in, I addressed it. I apologized to them. I said, ‘It was unfair, insensitive. I want to earn it back. Just give me the chance,’” he explained. “And hopefully, these last two weeks I earned some of that back.”
However, forgiveness wasn’t immediate, especially during a particular group date that involved a roast.
“One of the dates was a roast. It was brutal. They were killing me,” Owens revealed. “They’re brilliant. It’s shocking how brilliant they are.”
Representatives for Owens did not respond immediately to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
The drama unfolded after Owens received criticism for his strict criteria in selecting a life partner.
During an interview on the “In the Trenches” podcast, Owens candidly expressed his disinterest in dating women “60 and over,” specifying that he didn’t want contestants with “artificial hips” or “wigs.”
Owens also emphasized his expectation for contestants to be in good shape.
Mel Owens faced criticism for his comments regarding contestants’ physical attributes. (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)
In a show press release, it was revealed that Owens was previously married for 25 years and is a father of two sons.
He is hopeful to find a love “rooted in the simple joys of companionship — sharing life’s everyday moments, making plans for the future and growing stronger together as a couple.”
In a shocking turn of events, a local man was arrested for allegedly stealing a rare diamond necklace worth over $100,000 from a jewelry store in downtown. The suspect, identified as John Smith, was apprehended by police after they received a tip from a witness who saw him leaving the store with the necklace in hand.
According to authorities, Smith is facing charges of grand theft and possession of stolen property. The stolen necklace, which is said to be one of a kind and highly valuable, has not yet been recovered.
The jewelry store owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, expressed relief that the suspect was caught and is hopeful that the necklace will be returned safely. The case is currently under investigation, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of security measures in place to protect valuable items, and the role that witnesses play in helping law enforcement solve crimes.
