Mel Owens, the charismatic lead of The Golden Bachelor, has stepped forward to defend contestant Nicolle Kate Briscoe amidst widespread criticism of her influencer ambitions and role in the infamous “lemon bar drama.” In an exclusive interview, Owens clarified his perspective on Nicolle’s intentions, asserting that her feelings for him were genuine, despite her viral comments about “dating America.”
The “Women Tell All” reunion for The Golden Bachelor season 2 promised to address the season’s most talked-about moments, and it delivered. While Mel Owens maintained he had “very good relationships” with all the women, the spotlight inevitably fell on Nicolle Kate Briscoe, whose forthright pursuit of reality TV fame ignited a firestorm among viewers and fellow contestants alike. Now, Mel Owens is offering his take, suggesting that there was more to Nicolle’s actions than met the camera’s eye.
Mel Owens Stands By Nicolle: “She Was Into Me”
During the season, Nicolle’s candid remarks, such as “I’m not dating Mel, I’m dating America,” became a major talking point, painting her as a strategic player more interested in building a brand than finding love. However, Mel Owens defends her, telling Entertainment Weekly, “She said that, but her actions were completely different. She was into me.” He points to her parting words, “Oh, if it doesn’t work out, call me,” as evidence of genuine interest. Mel acknowledged there might be “a little bit of truth” to her influencer ambitions, but ultimately dismissed it as “no big deal,” emphasizing that “there’s nothing wrong with aspirations.”
Nicolle herself addressed the criticism at the reunion, asserting she was a “trailblazer” and didn’t enter the show with a strategy. She expressed a desire to empower women in their 60s and 70s to find love and pursue careers, stating, “Isn’t that what empowering women is all about?”
Disney/John Fleenor
Jesse Palmer, Mel Owens
The #LemonBarGate Controversy: Mel’s Sweet Defense
Another major point of contention involving Nicolle was the now-infamous “lemon bar drama,” dubbed #LemonBarGate by fans. Nicolle took full credit for making Mel lemon bars, a dessert he expressed fondness for, despite several other women contributing to their creation. This led to tension among the contestants, particularly with Debbie Siebers.
Mel Owens, however, approaches the incident with a lighthearted perspective. “The lemon bars were good!” he quipped to Entertainment Weekly. He acknowledged that while other women helped, Nicolle had the recipe written down and “actually put it together.” For Mel, the “initial effort” counted, and he concluded, “But the lemon bars came out great, and it was her recipe. So congratulations to her.” This perspective suggests Mel saw the situation less as a malicious act and more as an enthusiastic, albeit “overzealous,” attempt to make an impression.
Fan Reactions and the “Villain” Edit
The fan community had strong reactions to Nicolle’s portrayal. Many quickly labeled her the season’s “villain,” a stark contrast to the generally wholesome image of the show’s inaugural season. Debbie Siebers echoed this sentiment at the reunion, challenging Nicolle’s empowerment claims by stating, “You did not empower us. You dismissed us.”
Nicolle, however, feels her portrayal was influenced by editing. She told Parade Magazine that the “editing is very slanted” but accepts that “I said the things that I said, and I gave them a lot of material to go with, and I don’t regret any of it.” Interestingly, Mel Owens subtly supported Nicolle’s view by “liking” a fan comment calling her the “most authentic” contestant and claiming producers profited from her villain edit.
Who Will Be the Next Golden Bachelorette?
With The Golden Bachelor season drawing to a close, anticipation for a “Golden Bachelorette” spinoff is at an all-time high. Mel Owens has a clear favorite for the role: Debbie Siebers. He praises her experience on film as a former fitness-video instructor, her good camera demeanor, temperament, honesty, and sincerity. Crucially, Mel notes that Debbie “hasn’t been married,” which he sees as a significant plus, indicating she is “sincerely looking forward to” finding love and “deserves it.”
Debbie’s emotional journey on the show, particularly her reflection on wearing a bridal dress in a photoshoot as a meaningful experience for someone who has never married, resonated deeply with many. She candidly asked Mel if her marital status influenced his decision to send her home, to which he firmly replied that it “did not ever cross his mind.”
On the other hand, Nicolle Kate Briscoe openly begged producers to consider her for the lead role, stating, “Mel didn’t choose me, but maybe you’ll choose me for the Golden Bachelorette.” She believes her “unexpected” nature and ability to bring “a lot of heart and a lot of fun” would drive high viewership. While acknowledging it’s a “long shot” for someone with a “villain edit,” she remains hopeful, proving her persistent aspiration. As fans await the final decision, the debate over who best embodies the spirit of the Golden Bachelorette continues.
Mel Reflects on His Journey
Beyond the drama, Mel Owens reflected on his overall experience. He admitted to initial nervousness but expressed happiness reconnecting with the women at the reunion, considering them part of an “alumni group.” When asked about being open on camera, Mel stated he would “answer them truthfully,” but some things were either not familiar enough or “not appropriate” for him to discuss at the time.
His take on watching himself “smooch so many different women on camera” was surprisingly casual: “It’s not as crazy as I thought it would be.” And the funniest online comment he encountered? A “clown alert” regarding his age, which still makes him laugh.
Disney/John Fleenor
Mel Owens
As Mel Owens prepares to choose between Cindy Cullers and Peg Munson in the finale, his season has sparked significant conversation, highlighting the complexities of finding love and fame in the public eye, even in the “golden” years.
