The first season of The Golden Bachelor was widely praised for the wholesome, older contestants looking for love later in life. Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist’s love didn’t last long, but many of the women formed close friendships. Viewers hoped to see the same in Season 2. But one contestant was forced to apologize after sparking massive backlash. Keep reading to find out why fans are still calling her a liar.

Mel Owens Chooses His Final Three

Mel Owens’ season of The Golden Bachelor didn’t have the same response from viewers as Gerry’s did. He’s a former NFL player who pursued a career as a lawyer in Laguna Hills, California, after his football days were done. One of his first interviews after being announced as the Season 2 lead was on a podcast with his alma mater, the University of Michigan.

Using football terminology, he revealed that he told producers during casting that he would “cut” any contestants over the age of 60. He preferred women between the ages of 45 and 60.
‘Golden Bachelor’ Mel Owens/Credit: YouTube
Needless to say, his comments were not well-received. Many Bachelor Nation fans vowed to boycott his season. It seems a lot of them went through with the threat, as Golden Bachelor ratings are way down compared to last season’s.

The divorced father of two continued with his journey to find love despite the backlash. Even though the show premiered just last month, the women are already heading to Hometown dates.

Carol Freeman-Branstine chose to leave after failing to make a connection with Mel Owens. He sent home Nicolle Kate Briscoe and Cheryl Steele, making Peg Munson, Debbie Siebers, and Cindy Angelcyk Cullers his final three.

Nicolle’s elimination couldn’t come soon enough for viewers.
‘Golden Bachelor’ star Nicolle Kate Briscoe/Credit: YouTube

Golden Bachelor Star Apologizes After Backlash

Nicolle Kate Briscoe admitted that she was on the show to build a social media following and become an influencer. “We’re going to have Housewives status,” she told the other women.

The yoga instructor also said ABC should take advantage of having beautiful women this season because,
“I’m sorry but the last cast, they weren’t so great looking.”

Ouch! Season 1 contestant Joan Vassos shared her reaction to the harsh comment. Nicolle took to Instagram after the conversation aired with a lengthy apology for her remarks.

“It was flippant and not my proudest moment. I didn’t mean any harm but I totally get that it came off as callous and dismissive,” she wrote about her comment about the Season 1 contestants.

She added a message directly to the previous Golden Bachelor stars: “You were the trailblazers. You walked so we could trip in our heels on national TV. Thank you for your grace and for setting such a beautiful example and high standard.”

Fans Aren’t Buying It, Call Her A Liar

Nicolle Kate Briscoe seems sorry for her comments, but fans aren’t buying it. They took to social media to react to her apology.

One Golden Bachelor viewer wrote, “This “apology” actually made me think less of her than I already do. It’s filled with “HR speak” and smells of being AI generated.”

Another added, “She’s a liar.. she lied about the lemon bars and she’s lying now.”

Some of the contestants made lemon bars together for Mel Owens but Nicolle took full credit for making them.

Let us know in the comments if you believe her apology.