Who is Fabiana Pimentel? Mel Owens’ ex-wife lets us in on their divorce and her view of The Golden Bachelor

Fabiana Pimentel is currently known as The Golden Bachelor star Mel Owens' longtime spouse-turned-ex. She recently discussed their divorce and her thoughts on his new reality television journey. After more than 20 years of dating, they broke up, and while Mel searches for love on national television, Fabiana's narrative highlights a complicated past behind the charming exterior.

Mel was in his mid-forties and Fabiana was in her early twenties when they were married in 2002, resulting in a significant age difference that attracted notice over time. Fabiana gradually assumed roles in their joint life as well as in her personal interests: she worked for Mel's law firm, started her own home organizing and wellness companies, and developed a career separate from her marriage.

After years of court proceedings, their divorce was finalized in December 2024, with Fabiana alleging irreconcilable differences as the reason for the formal start of the divorce process in February 2020. Mel entered The Golden Bachelor as that chapter came to a conclusion, leaving both fans and critics wondering what Fabiana thought of this new public venture. And how much has their shared past shaped the narrative he’s now presenting on screen?

The Golden Bachelor: Who Is Fabiana Pimentel & why her voice matters

Many people are interested in Fabiana Pimentel, the woman Mel Owens spent almost twenty years with before divorcing, as he enters the spotlight on The Golden Bachelor. She provides a realistic counterpoint to the emotional drama with her thoughts on their marriage, the settlement, and her assessment of his reality TV move. She influences his backstory and is more than just a footnote.

Background: Her life, career, & role in their marriage

Before the divorce case went public, Fabiana Pimentel established her own life. Originally from Brazil, she earned a degree in business (and later marketing credentials via UCLA) and worked in The Golden Bachelor's Mel’s law firm from 2007 to 2016. Additionally, she was a co-founder of Final Touch Organizing, a home organization company based on energy flow and holistic techniques.

She brought up Lucas and Andre, their two boys, during their marriage. Although Mel's internal roles and entrepreneurial energy made her more visible, the public's attention was frequently drawn to his NFL and legal persona. During the years they worked together, she supported company operations and fostered her own entrepreneurial endeavors.

Divorce, boundaries, & her response to The Golden Bachelor

It took a long time for Mel and Fabiana to get divorced. Before the final decision was issued in December 2024, the case lasted for about five years. According to reports, Mel was sentenced to pay about $980,000 to settle outstanding debts including loans, mortgages, and support. Fabiana needed those previous claims settled even if she waived continuing spousal support.

Fabiana has been mainly silent on The Golden Bachelor. She stated in one interview,

“Good luck. But anyway, I don’t want to be involved in this.”

He teased that "everyone's peeking," despite Mel's claims that his sons informed him she wouldn't watch the program. Although her background and remarks would unavoidably reverberate around his debut season, her position is clear: she is not here to play in TV drama.

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