This Golden Bachelor Star Scolds Mel Owens After Shocking Age Remarks

A Golden Bachelor season 1 alum is weighing in on some controversial comments from his successor - yes, Gerry Turner's calling out Mel Owens, the "new" Golden Bachelor, for wanting younger people cast in the famous reality dating series.

Mel almost begged for backlash when he let the world know that he'd cut potential love interests from the show "if they're 60 or over." After all, the series' entire concept hinges on celebrating mature people as they search for love. During The Golden Bachelor season 1, Gerry seemed to find happiness with Theresa Nist, but their marriage lasted mere months.

It seemed like Gerry wasn't really on the show for love, but later on, a sad and shocking fact surfaced, which changed everything. He revealed a cancer diagnosis - his disease is treatable but incurable. Gerry's diagnosis was one of the factors that led him to end things with Theresa. Then, there was Mel.

What Gerry Said About Mel Owens

He Gave Solid Advice

The term "golden" typically denotes people over the age of 65, although it has been used to describe younger people. Gerry recently responded to that remark, saying, as per Fox News, that Gerry will be "cheating himself" if he cuts women older than 60.

Gerry thinks Mel should "consider the person," and who can really argue with that? Maybe Mel will take this advice to heart - Gerry has lived and learned.

The former NFL football pro Mel was cast, and he seemed ideal at first. He has the impressive elite sports career, which gave him so much cachet. He has good looks and the desire to find a long-term partner.

Gerry was sensitive while mulling over Mel's remarks and responding to them. His advice seemed non-sexist, kind, and smart. Gerry didn't blast Mel, but he did get real about relationships. While talking about Mel's desire to connect with younger women on the series, he stated:

"I think it would be unfortunate, and I really think he will have a change of heart in this. I think he will see the grace and the charm of women who are over 60 and the confidence they carry, and I think he'll have a change of heart,"

Gerry, a sunny Leo man who almost always smiles, and seemed to bewitch viewers during his season 1 stint, thanks to charisma that really made him stand out, appears to be defending women over 60. That is very impressive. While Gerry didn't find love on the series, he still believes in love at any age.

Our Take On Gerry Turner Speaking Out About Mel Owens

Love Is Possible At Any Age

Gerry may have found true love after season 1, as he's been showing off a new woman on Instagram, but Gerry's also focusing on his health. Living with cancer is a tough journey. It's something that makes a person focus on what really matters. For Gerry, romance may not be his top priority.

Mel appears to be hanging on to outdated views on women and men - that women should be on the younger side, while men can be any age at all. This probably won't help his reputation.

He has tarnished it so early, by perhaps being too honest about what's going on inside of him. There might have been a softer way to say things, but Mel can't unring the bell.

Gerry's no stranger to controversy either, and it was easy to paint him as a clout chaser when his marriage ended so fast. However, there were special circumstances - things that made his story different.

He was misunderstood, and perhaps Mel is too. Only time will tell if The Golden Bachelorette season 2 star has a heart of gold, or focuses on superficial things.