Who Is Mel Owens' Ex-Wife Fabiana Pimentel? Executive, Mom Of 2, Staying Clear Of His Bachelor World

Retired NFL linebacker, Mel Owens is back in the spotlight. This time, as the lead of The Golden Bachelor season 2, which premiered on September 24, 2025. The 66-year-old, who played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, immediately sparked debate even before the cameras started rolling, by making headlines for saying he won't date women older than 60.

At Hulu's Get Real event in April 2025, Mel Owens clearly told the show's host, Jesse Palmer, that he's seeking someone "honest, charming, loving, fit, and full of life" among the 23 contestants. While his comments drew criticism who questioned his age preferences, this was seemingly predicted by his ex-wife and first love, Fabiana Pimentel. Here's everything to know about her.

Who is Fabiana Pimentel Owens?

Mel Owens was previously married to Fabiana Pimentel Owens. According to his bio, she was his "first love". Fabiana is originally from Brazil, and she has lived in the U.S. for over 20 years. She earned a bachelor's degree in business from Faculdade da Cidade in Brazil. It was followed by a master's degree in marketing from UCLA. Fabiana currently works as Director of Experiences at Preferred Hotels & Resorts. According to her LinkedIn, she previously founded a home organization company, Final Touch Organizing, which focused on harmonizing spaces using Feng Shui.

Mel and Fabiana were married for 25 years and have two sons together, Lucas and Andre. Both their sons play baseball and aspire to continue their sports careers in college. Lucas graduated from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2025. He hopes to attend the University of Michigan, while Andre, a senior, has committed to Oklahoma State. It was his younger son who suggested his dad go on the dating reality show. 

Fabiana Pimentel and Mel Owens had an expensive divorce 

In February 2020, Fabiana Pimentel filed for divorce 2020. But it concluded nearly five years later in December 2024. The long legal proceedings reportedly involved significant financial settlements. Court documents obtained by Us Weekly reveal Mel was ordered to pay nearly USD 1 million for unpaid child and spousal support, property division, and attorney's fees. In turn, he had retained assets worth over USD 2.75 million, including their Orange County home valued at over USD 2 million. When she was asked about Owens' reality TV debut, Fabiana kept her response brief and distant by saying to Daily Mail:

"Good luck. I mean, it's going to be bad. But anyway, I don't want to be involved in this."

More about Mel Owens 

Mel Owens himself has had an impressive career on and off the field. He was born on December 7, 1958, in Detroit and became a standout linebacker at the University of Michigan. He was later selected ninth overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1981 NFL Draft. He played 122 games between 1981 and 1989, finishing with 26.5 sacks. But a herniated disk ended his football career. However, Mel Owens then joined a law school and became a sports attorney. He co-founded the Southern California firm Namanny, Byrne & Owens in 2006. Since then, he has represented athletes in disability and workers' compensation cases, taking lessons from his football career

What do you think about Fabiana Pimentel's reaction on Mel Owens' stint on The Golden Bachelor?

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