Mel Owens Ex Wife Fabiana Pimentel: Divorce, Children, and the Golden Bachelor Drama That Shook Fans

Former NFL star and reality television figure Mel Owens has stepped into the spotlight once again, but this time, much of the public attention is focused on his personal life. The story of Mel Owens ex wife, Fabiana Pimentel Owens, their divorce, and the impact on their children has become one of the most discussed topics surrounding the current season of The Golden Bachelor.

Mel Owens Divorce and Settlement Details

The marriage between Mel Owens and Fabiana Pimentel Owens began in May 2002. Fabiana, originally from Brazil, built a career in branding and hospitality while raising a family with Mel. However, their relationship came to an end in February 2020 when she filed for divorce citing irreconcilable differences.

The divorce was finalized in December 2024 after nearly five years of legal proceedings. Reports revealed that Mel was ordered to pay close to one million dollars to cover child and spousal support, property division, and legal fees. Despite the financial outcome, he retained ownership of the family home in Orange County, California.

Settlement Overview

Fabiana Pimentel Owens: Career and Life Beyond Marriage

During and after her marriage, Fabiana Pimentel Owens developed a successful professional path. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business and later a master’s in marketing from UCLA. She founded a company called Final Touch Organizing before taking on senior roles in the hospitality industry, including Director of Experiences at Preferred Hotels & Resorts.

While Mel Owens pursued sports law and later reality television, Fabiana focused on her work and personal privacy, making only limited public statements about her ex-husband’s media presence.

Mel Owens Children and Their Paths Forward

The couple’s two sons, Lucas and Andre Owens, have both pursued athletic careers in baseball.

• Lucas Owens: Born in 2005, recently graduated high school in 2025, with ambitions to play college baseball at the University of Michigan.

• Andre Owens: Born in 2007, committed to playing baseball at Oklahoma State and credited with encouraging his father to audition for The Golden Bachelor.

Their achievements have placed them in the public eye, but they have largely remained supportive of both parents throughout the divorce and Mel’s television appearances.

The Painful Confession on The Golden Bachelor

In the premiere episode of The Golden Bachelor Season 2, Mel Owens admitted that his ex-wife had filed for divorce in 2020 after meeting someone else. He described the split as one of the most difficult experiences of his life, compounded by the loss of his father during the same period. Owens also revealed that he had not dated seriously since the divorce, choosing instead to prioritize his children.

Fabiana’s only public comment on Mel’s reality show debut was a simple and detached response: “Good luck… I don’t want to be involved in this.”

Golden Bachelor Mel Owens Age Preferences Controversy

Even before the reality show aired, controversy erupted over comments Mel Owens made in June 2025. On a podcast, he declared he would only date women between the ages of 45 and 60, going as far as to say he would “cut” contestants over 60. He also expressed a preference for physically fit women, avoiding those with “artificial hips and wigs.”

The remarks sparked backlash, with many criticizing him for age bias and insensitivity. He later apologized publicly, explaining that his words had been taken out of context and reiterating his desire for honesty and genuine connection. Despite speculation that he might be replaced, ABC confirmed he would remain the lead of Season 2.

Reactions to the Controversy

• Mel Owens: Apologized, claimed context was misunderstood.

• Kelly Ripa & Mark Consuelos: Teased him about the comments during a live interview.

• Joy Behar on The View: Defended Owens, pointing out double standards in dating expectations.

Life After Divorce: What’s Next for Mel Owens

Following the long and costly divorce, Mel Owens is now focused on moving forward. On The Golden Bachelor, he has stated he is looking for a partner who is honest, loving, charming, and full of life. Whether his journey on reality TV leads to lasting romance or more public scrutiny, the story of Mel Owens ex wife and their shared history remains central to his narrative.

For now, both Mel and Fabiana appear determined to pursue separate futures—one in the glare of television cameras, the other in the privacy of her professional career.