Mel Owens, the 66-year-old retired NFL star and The Golden Bachelor Season 2 lead, has more than just roses on his hands. Court documents obtained by the Daily Mail reveal that Owens still owes his ex-wife, Fabiana Pimente $980,000 as part of their 2024 divorce settlement, with only $40,000 paid so far. According to the papers, “Mel has flagrantly violated the clear and unambiguous terms of the Judgment” and has not communicated when or how he intends to settle the balance.
Interest accrues daily at $257.53, and Pimente seeks $25,000 for attorneys’ fees. The situation is compounded by her claims that Owens is delinquent on his mortgage, has failed to pay previous court-ordered child and spousal support, and earns $20,000 monthly in retirement, plus Golden Bachelor earnings. Owens, speaking to US Weekly, reflected on their breakup:
Well, it’s never good, right? But, you know, I’m never going to get in the way of someone’s happiness. If you want to find somebody else in a different phase in your life — it hurts — but I can’t get in the way of your happiness.
With the Season 2 finale of The Golden Bachelor approaching, Mel Owens’ financial controversy stemming from his high-profile divorce settlement is indeed receiving widespread attention.
Who is Golden Bachelor Mel Owens’ Ex-Wife? More Details on Marriage & Divorce
Before Mel Owens took the reality TV spotlight, he was married to his “first love,” Fabiana Pimentel Owens, from 2002 to 2020 (per Style Caster). The couple had two sons (Lucas, born in 2005, and Andre, born in 2007) and raised them in California before citing irreconcilable differences and filing for divorce in February 2020. Their legal battle lasted nearly five years, culminating in a final divorce in December 2024.
Fabiana had waived spousal support and her rights to the marital home in exchange for a $980,000 equalization payment, which Owens has yet to fully pay. He has publicly shared his perspective on the divorce with US Weekly, stating:
You can’t stop somebody, say, ‘I’m over here now.’ You can beg and plead, but I’m fine. Life is short, and if you’re in love with somebody else, that’s fine.
Before his Golden Bachelor debut, Owens faced controversy for comments on the MGoBlue Podcast about age preferences, saying he would only date women aged 45–60. He later apologized, explaining (via Glamour):
I didn’t know anything about the Golden Bachelor ages. I didn’t know the age range because I wasn’t watching it. I’m thinking, to me, the age range was 45 to 60. That’s the golden years for me. My reference, again, was when I was dating at 39, 40. I hadn’t dated in 26 years, so I had no clue. And that’s why I said that comment.
Speaking to The Daily Mail, Fabiana expressed her skepticism about Owens’ turn as Season 2 Golden Bachelor.
Good luck. I mean, it’s going to be bad. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this.
We learned from her LinkedIn profile, Fabiana works as the Director of Experiences at Preferred Hotels & Resorts in Corona del Mar, California. Prior to this, she was an Assistant Manager at Namanny, Byrne & Owens, a company founded by Owens. She also co-founded Final Touch Organizing, a home-organization business she launched alongside entrepreneur Karine Schaefer.
Back in 2021, she informed Shout Out SoCal:
We take a holistic approach in our business, and that set us apart. I use Feng Shui to harmonize our clients with their surrounding environment. We believe that keeping positive energy and flow while organizing helps our clients alleviate stress.
Originally from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Fabiana also identifies as a Reiki and ThetaHealing practitioner.
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 Finale: Date, Time & Who Does Mel Owens Pick?
The Golden Bachelor Season 2 finale airs Wednesday, Nov. 12, after a premiere on Sept. 24 with weekly episodes. According to Reality Steve (via Style Caster), Mel Owens becomes engaged to Peg Munson, a 62-year-old retired firefighter and bomb tech from Las Vegas. The final two contestants were Peg and Cindy Mullers; Owens’ choice sparked debate among fans.
Owens described the finale experience to US Weekly in October 2025 as “brilliant” and “so good, you won’t believe it,” praising ABC’s attention to detail during their Antigua getaway. He added:
You won’t believe how we get there, not mechanically, but how we get there emotionally.
Streaming & Viewing Info:
Mel Owens’ personal life, divorce complications, and engagement have turned Season 2 of The Golden Bachelor into a perfect storm of love, controversy, and courtroom drama. With nearly a million-dollar debt hanging over him and a reality TV romance blooming, fans have much to discuss. Will Fabiana Pimente finally receive her due payment?
Comment below and let us know: do you think Mel Owens is a red flag, or is this just a messy chapter in a man’s quest for love?
The Golden Bachelor Season 1 is available to stream on Hulu.
