Mel Owens, the 66-year-old winner of The Golden Bachelor Season 1, has finally settled the nearly $1 million he owed his ex-wife, Fabiana Owens, under the terms of their 2024 divorce agreement, according to newly filed court documents in California.
The reality TV personality and former NFL linebacker paid the full outstanding amount in a lump sum, officially closing one of the most contentious and high-profile divorce disputes to emerge from the Bachelor franchise.
Court records obtained by multiple outlets show that Owens satisfied the financial obligations outlined in the couple’s marital settlement agreement, which included spousal support, property division, and other negotiated terms following their separation after more than three decades of marriage. The payment resolves all remaining financial claims between the parties and ends ongoing enforcement actions initiated by Fabiana Owens.
The divorce had become increasingly acrimonious after Mel Owens rose to fame as the charming, silver-haired suitor on The Golden Bachelor, where he ultimately chose Theresa Nist (the couple later split just months after their televised wedding in January 2025).
Fabiana Owens publicly accused Mel of financial manipulation and failure to honor court-ordered payments, while Mel’s representatives maintained that delays were due to complex asset division and liquidity issues stemming from his post-retirement investments and reality TV earnings.
The $1 million settlement figure represents the final balance owed after partial payments and legal fees accrued during nearly two years of post-divorce litigation. Sources familiar with the matter say the lump-sum resolution was reached to avoid further court appearances, garnishment proceedings, and additional legal costs on both sides.
Neither Mel Owens nor Fabiana Owens has commented publicly on the settlement as of Wednesday, February 25, 2026. Owens’ current representative did not respond to requests for comment, while Fabiana’s attorney confirmed only that “all financial issues have been resolved in accordance with the court’s orders.”
The case drew significant attention due to Owens’ visibility on The Golden Bachelor, where he portrayed himself as a devoted family man and widower seeking lasting love after years alone. The revelation of an ongoing and contentious divorce—with a former spouse still legally entitled to substantial payments—created a stark contrast with the romantic narrative presented on the show.
The settlement brings closure to a chapter that had overshadowed Owens’ post-Bachelor public life, including his brief romance with Theresa Nist and subsequent media appearances. Friends and associates of Owens say he is now focused on personal wellbeing, philanthropy, and exploring future opportunities in television and motivational speaking.
The resolution also serves as a reminder of the complicated personal realities that often lie behind reality TV personas, especially in the increasingly scrutinized “Golden” franchise, which targets older contestants navigating love later in life.
No further legal proceedings are anticipated between the parties, and the divorce is now considered fully resolved.
