"I don’t think he meant it" – Bachelor in Paradise’s Kathy Swarts responds to Golden Bachelor Mel Owens' over-60 dating comment
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Bachelor in Paradise cast (Image via Instagram @bachelorinparadise)Bachelor in Paradise’s Kathy Swarts addressed Golden Bachelor Mel Owens’ recent comments about dating preferences in an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly published on July 16, 2025. Owens had previously said he was not interested in dating women over 60, which sparked reactions across Bachelor Nation. Swarts, who is 72 and currently appearing on Bachelor in Paradise, weighed in on his statement, suggesting it may not reflect his true views.
“I think Mel is a guy looking for love. I don’t think he meant it,” she said.
Swarts also hinted that meeting someone like her might challenge Owens’ outlook. The retired educational consultant, known for her direct remarks on The Golden Bachelor, is now making history as the first Golden contestant to land a one-on-one date in Bachelor in Paradise.
During the interview, she discussed her first impressions of the show, her date with Keith, and how she came to win a date card through a cheeky secrets game — all while maintaining her signature straightforward tone.
Kathy Swarts discusses her arrival and date on Bachelor in Paradise
Kathy Swarts, who entered Bachelor in Paradise as one of the first Golden contestants, said she had no hesitation about joining the show.
“Who would not want to go to a beautiful resort with air conditioning?” she said.
Kathy further added that she would have even gone without it. She was roomed with Leslie, another familiar face from The Golden Bachelor, and joked about an unexpected guest — a bat. “That bat had my name on it,” she recalled, sharing that she lives in Austin, home to a large bat colony. Despite the wildlife interruption, Kathy quickly got into the Paradise rhythm.
Her date card win came after a secrets game where she revealed she once slept with another person in her home while her partner was in the next room. She later clarified it was her sick two-year-old son and husband, and that she crafted the wording carefully to catch attention.
“You’re dealing with young people. What do young people talk about? S*x,” she said.
Kathy chose Keith for her date and hinted that viewers will see more of their dynamic. She said that Keith was a great dad and noted there was a reason he had successfully raised three daughters, adding that he knew how to treat a woman.
Kathy reacts to Golden Bachelor’s comment and shares more from Bachelor in Paradise
Kathy wasn’t the only Golden contestant ready to engage with others. She noted that others jumped in quickly —
“Natascha was sitting on RJ's lap, oh I don't know, 30 seconds after we got on that catamaran,” she said, laughing.
The arrival of the Golden cast added a new element to Bachelor in Paradise, with hand-holding, flirting, and kisses starting early.
When asked who was on her “list” going into Paradise, Kathy named CK and Keith, both from Joan’s Golden Bachelorette season. As for what’s ahead, she said,
“You’ll definitely see some more of me in future episodes.”
The conversation turned to Golden Bachelor Mel Owens’ comment about not dating women over 60. Kathy responded by saying she believed Mel Owens hadn't fully thought through his comment. She felt he likely didn't mean it and added that meeting someone like her could possibly change his mind. She also remarked that he would probably be just fine—unless she ended up taking him away herself, in which case, the show would be over.
Stay tuned for more updates.
TOPICS: Bachelor in Paradise, ABC, Reality TV