In an exclusive interview with Glamour, the 66-year-old opens up about the backlash to his ageist and sexist comments on a recent podcast. “It was unfair and insensitive, and I have to earn [the trust] back.

The new lead also said he steered clear of online news, but heard about the blowback and replacement rumors from those close to him. When asked why he ever went on a show called The Golden Bachelor if he had no desire to date older women, Owens said he was so unfamiliar with the franchise that he was fully unaware of any specific age range.