Overview

• In a June 4 podcast interview, Mel Owens said he planned to cut any female contestant aged 60 or over, citing his preference for partners aged 45 to 60.
• Gerry Turner, who led the inaugural season with contestants ages 60 to 75, told Fox News Digital that excluding older women would be “unfortunate.”
• Turner advised Owens to “ignore the number” and focus on individual qualities, noting that each contestant brings unique gifts to the show.
• Turner expressed confidence that Owens will change his mind and appreciate the grace and confidence of women over 60, and he noted that ABC producers likely cast with broader perspectives.
• The Golden Bachelor season two is slated to return this fall on ABC, carrying forward its senior-focused casting ethos.