43-Year-Old Chrishell Stause Weighs In On 'Golden Bachelor' Mel Owens' Ageist Comments

Chrishell Stause isn’t holding back when it comes to "The Golden Bachelor" star Mel Owens and his controversial remarks about women over 60.

Her comments came in response to Mel Owens' eyebrow-raising comments about the show’s casting and his preferences for potential partners.

The 43-year-old "Selling Sunset" star took to her Instagram Stories to express her disappointment in Owens after the 66-year-old former NFL player shared some ageist opinions regarding the women who will compete for his affections.

“We love the 'Golden Bachelor' because of how wholesome it is,” Stause wrote with a hint of sarcasm. “This type of energy will ruin it.”

The controversy began when Owens, a former NFL linebacker, recounted a conversation with the show’s producers. When asked about his ideal age range for the women, he said, “45 to 60, just being honest.”

However, during a lunch with the show’s executive producer, he backtracked, stating, “If they’re 60 or over, I’m cutting them.”

When reminded that the show was called "The Golden Bachelor," Owens claimed he was told not to use the word "cut." His response? “Well, that’s an NFL term.”

But it didn’t stop there.

Owens continued to outline his "preferences," stating that the women “got to be fit” because he stays in shape and went on to express a desire to avoid women with “artificial hips” or “wigs.” These remarks quickly stirred up backlash from fans and reality TV enthusiasts alike, with many calling out Owens for his ageist views.

Stause, who has a large following thanks to her time on "Selling Sunset," wasn’t the only one to criticize Owens.

Fans of the "Golden Bachelor" franchise flooded social media with their opinions, voicing their outrage over the comments.

“Based on his podcast interview, I won’t be watching or supporting,” one fan wrote. “We need to stop supporting men who think they’re so great that they won’t date women their own age. This dude needs to go back home.”

Another user tweeted, “Mel Owens & @ABCnetwork @GoldenBachABC can take their ageist BS & shove it!”

One fan even pointed out, “He doesn’t seem like the type for 'in sickness and in health,’” while others joined the chorus of calls for Owens to be recast.

"This is so sad. I can’t believe TPTB knew this man didn’t want a golden lady and cast him anyway,” said another viewer. “Please replace him for someone who appreciates women of a certain age, which is the entire point of this show.”

Despite the backlash, ABC has yet to announce a premiere date for "The Golden Bachelor," which will be the second senior spinoff of the popular franchise following Gerry Turner’s season.

Owens, a former NFL player who transitioned into law, has spent years representing clients in sports-related injury cases. He was officially announced as the next lead of "The Golden Bachelor" earlier this year during Hulu’s “Get Real House” presentation.

While Owens faces backlash ahead of his season, fans are looking forward to a fresh twist on "Bachelor in Paradise."

The "Golden" contestants will mix things up with the younger cast when the show premieres on July 7, including April Kirkwood, known for faking an injury to catch Gerry’s attention during the pickleball date on "The Golden Bachelor" season 1, is ready to bring her playful side to "Paradise."

Charles "CK" King, who impressed Joan with his push-ups straight out of the limo on "The Golden Bachelorette" season 1, will show off his charm and physical prowess.

Jack Lencioni, who gave himself a personal tour of the Bachelor Mansion and made a splash with some epic cannonballs into the pool, is sure to add some fun and energy to the beach.

Kathy Swarts, known for telling Theresa to "zip it" during the pickleball date on "The Golden Bachelor" season 1, isn’t afraid to speak her mind, promising plenty of bold moments in "Paradise."

Meanwhile, as Owens prepares for his shot at love, it’s clear his comments have sparked a firestorm that could affect his time in the spotlight.

Fans and critics alike are hoping ABC takes the backlash seriously, as many are concerned that his views don't align with the wholesome, inclusive spirit the show was meant to represent.