Mel Owens' Dating Preference Sparks Debate: What's Next for The Golden Bachelor?

The Golden Bachelor franchise is making headlines, and not just for its sun-soaked drama on Bachelor in Paradise. Mel Owens, the star of the upcoming second season, has sparked debate after sharing his thoughts on dating women over 60.

Mel Owens' Comments

Mel mentioned he'd prefer to date women between 45 and 60, a statement that has ruffled some feathers. While some fans are upset, former contestant Kathy Swarts has come to his defense.

Kathy Swarts' Defense

Swarts, who appeared on Gerry Turner's season, believes Mel might change his mind once he meets the right person. She's confident that Mel will be impressed by the fabulous women over 60 who might join the show. Swarts even joked that she might swoop in and steal Mel's heart herself!

"I think Mel's comments were just a slip of the tongue and don't believe he meant any harm."

Fan Reactions

Not everyone is convinced. Some fans are worried that Mel's preference might cast a shadow over the spirit of The Golden Bachelor, which is all about celebrating love at any age. The franchise has already faced skepticism about the authenticity of its relationships, especially after high-profile breakups like Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist's short-lived marriage.

Upcoming Season

The upcoming season is set to film this summer and air in the fall, but no premiere date has been announced yet. In the meantime, fans can catch up with some of their favorite Golden Bachelor alumni on Bachelor in Paradise, which airs on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and streams the next day on Hulu.