Mel Owens is about to step into the spotlight as the next Golden Bachelor, but let’s just say not everyone is cheering him on.
The 66-year-old former NFL linebacker is gearing up to look for love on national television, but drama from his personal life—especially involving his ex-wife—is already casting a shadow over his upcoming journey.
Ex-Wife Issues a Sharp Warning
Fabiana Owens, Mel’s ex-wife of 17 years, isn’t exactly throwing her support behind his reality TV debut.
When asked about her thoughts on Mel joining The Golden Bachelor, the 46-year-old responded bluntly, “Good luck.
I mean, it’s going to be bad. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this.”
Her warning follows years of legal battles that only recently concluded.
Four Years of Divorce Drama
Mel and Fabiana’s divorce was finalized in December 2024 after a grueling four-year court fight.
Fabiana filed in early 2020, citing irreconcilable differences.
The couple, married since 2002, have two sons—Lucas, 19, and Andre, 18.
Though their kids are now technically adults, the court still granted joint legal and physical custody.
Interestingly, Mel was not required to pay ongoing child support, but he was ordered to cover his youngest son’s high school tuition and extracurricular fees until graduation.
A Nearly $1 Million Divorce Settlement
The most eye-catching detail in their settlement? Mel was ordered to pay Fabiana $980,000 by February 28, 2025.
That amount included back payments for spousal and child support—over $165,000 in arrears alone—as well as her legal fees, shared property division, and other court-imposed fines.
Had Mel missed the payment, the court warned that their shared marital home would be put up for sale immediately.
But as of now, it seems that payment was made on time, since the home remains off the market.
Who Got What in the Split?
Mel walked away with the couple’s Orange County house—bought in 2008 for $840,000 and now worth more than $2 million—as well as a 2011 Toyota Sequoia and multiple bank accounts tied to his law firm.
Fabiana received her leased car and waived any rights to spousal support going forward.
Financially, Mel claimed in his December 2024 court filings that he earned just $1,000 per month at his firm.
However, he also reported $250,000 in liquid assets and $2.5 million in real estate, along with monthly expenses totaling $15,400—including $90,000 in law school loans still being paid off.
A Rocky Introduction as the Golden Bachelor
Mel’s debut as The Golden Bachelor is already raising eyebrows, not just because of the divorce—but also due to recent comments he made that many are calling ageist.
On a podcast appearance last month, he said he wasn’t interested in dating women “60 and over,” even joking that he’d “cut them” from the competition.
He later added that he wanted contestants to be fit, preferably without “artificial hips and wigs,” which only poured more fuel on the backlash fire.
Fans and Celebrities Push Back
Bachelor Nation didn’t take kindly to those remarks.
Social media lit up with criticism, with one fan saying, “This dude needs to go back home.”
Another called out producers for casting someone who openly dismissed dating women his own age.
Even Selling Sunset’s Chrishell Stause chimed in, saying, “We love The Golden Bachelor because of how wholesome it is.
This type of energy will ruin it.”
Host Jesse Palmer Addresses the Controversy
Jesse Palmer, the host of The Bachelor franchise, weighed in recently, admitting he hadn’t listened to the controversial podcast but acknowledged he’d be spending more time with Mel soon.
“The small amount of time I’ve spent with him, he seems like a good guy,” Jesse said, adding that they’d likely be addressing the issue in person once filming begins.
The Season Moves Ahead—With or Without the Support
Despite the headlines andacklash, The Golden Bachelor is still moving forward with Mel Owens at the center.
Filming is expected to kick off later this summer, and the show has not made any changes in casting.
According to producers, the journey to find love in your later years is still a go.
Meanwhile, More Bachelor Drama Is Coming
Fans looking for more drama—or perhaps some redemption—can catch up with familiar faces from Gerry Turner’s season of The Golden Bachelor when they appear on Bachelor in Paradise, premiering July 7.
As for Mel? Time will tell whether he finds love, or more controversy, on national television.
