In this episode of After Reality, I dive into the explosive controversy surrounding Mel Owens, the newly announced Golden Bachelor. To set the stage, I share a clip from Mel's recent podcast interview—originally brought to light by my friend and go-to scoop expert, Reality Steve.

Mel's remarks have caused quite a stir. He openly stated his preference for women aged 45 to 60 and shockingly admitted to the show’s executive producer that “if there's 60 or over, I'm cutting them” (his words, not mine!). He even referred to it as an “NFL term.” If that wasn’t enough, he expressed a desire to “stay away from artificial hips and wigs” and emphasized how important it was for a partner to have a fit “profile” to match his own active lifestyle.

Steve joins me in the hot seat for his take on this unfolding drama. He breaks down the backlash sparked by Mel’s comments and discusses how a clip from Claire and Emma's Love to See It podcast quickly went viral. Steve also highlights the tricky spot ABC is now in—casting women over 60 would contradict Mel’s stated preferences, while casting younger women could undermine the entire premise of The Golden Bachelor.

I also had to call in a very special guest for his perspective: my dad, Papa Robertson. Having found love again after 39 years of marriage, his insight is as personal as it gets. Papa Robertson didn’t hold back, calling Mel “a bit tarnished” and questioning whether The Golden Bachelor is the right platform for him.

This episode takes a hard look at Mel Owens' comments, their implications for the Golden Bachelor franchise, and whether ABC should consider recasting its lead. Join me for a juicy discussion, a fast hot take from Reality Steve, and my dad’s relatable wisdom as we unpack this developing story!

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