Golden Bachelor in Hot Water: Ageist Comments Spark Fan Outrage

Golden Bachelor Mel Owens is already sparking controversy, just a few months after being announced as the new face of ABC's reality TV show. The 66-year-old former NFL player and financial advisor-turned-lawyer has left fans reeling with his ageist comments, which have raised eyebrows and triggered outrage.

In a recent podcast appearance on MGo Blue, Owens revealed that he was introduced to Bachelor Nation producers by a friend, which ultimately led to him being cast as the new Golden Bachelor. But it was his shocking revelations about his preferences in women that has sent shockwaves through the show's fanbase.

According to Owens, he told producers that he only wants women between the ages of 45 and 60, making it clear that he intends to eliminate any woman who is brought in over the age of 60. Yes, you read that right – Owens has made it abundantly clear that he won't be entertaining any golden girls (or silver ones, for that matter) on his reality TV show.

But wait, it gets even more cringeworthy. When asked about his preferences during the casting process, Owens confessed to having a meeting with one of the show's executive producers, where he made it clear that women over 60 are off-limits. "If they're 60 or over, I'm cutting them," he said, matter-of-factly.

And if you thought things couldn't get any more ridiculous, wait until you hear what else Owens had to say. He even told producers that the ladies have to be fit and in shape – because, as we all know, a golden bachelor needs his golden girls to be just as radiant as he is.

But let's be real, folks – Owens' ageist remarks are nothing short of appalling. And it seems like fans are equally disgusted, taking to social media to express their outrage.

"Time for this entire franchise to die," tweeted Roslyn (@calirozzy). "I truly enjoyed The Golden Bachelor. Lol. I will see myself out," chimed in Jamie Mood (@Jmood17), referencing the show's first season with Gerry Turner. And let's not forget Brittny Pierre (@sleep2dream), who astutely pointed out that if Owens eliminates women over 60, then "it's not the golden bachelor..."

Even fans of the show are calling foul on Owens' comments. "So he's an ageist on the show called the Golden Bachelor?" wondered @GirlGurl26. And Lauren Milberger (@LaurenMilberger) quote-retweeted a news story, adding, "Then don't make him the golden bachelor!"

John Handem Piette (@JohnHPiette) theorized that Disney might have chosen Owens specifically because he's a polarizing figure – and we can't help but agree. Jorge Leiner (@jorg3leiner) even joked that Owens is like Leonardo DiCaprio, always chasing after much younger women.

But what really has fans scratching their heads is whether or not producers knew about Owens' ageist views before casting him as the new Golden Bachelor. As @DestroVega (@GregWatterworthJr) so aptly put it, "Did he miss the point of the show? lol."

In any case, it's clear that Mel Owens has sparked a firestorm of controversy, and we can't help but wonder how this will all play out on the upcoming season of The Golden Bachelor.

So, what do you think, folks? Are you Team Owens or Team "This guy needs to get off the show"? Let us know in the comments below!