The $980K Settlement: 7 Shocking Facts About Fabiana Pimentel Owens, Mel Owens' Ex-Wife

The spotlight has fiercely shifted from the gridiron and reality TV to the intensely private life of former NFL linebacker Mel Owens, specifically focusing on the woman who was his partner for over two decades: Fabiana Pimentel Owens. As of late 2024 and into 2025, the narrative surrounding the 'Golden Bachelor' star is inextricably linked to the complex and costly finalization of his divorce, bringing Fabiana, a successful Brazilian-born executive, into the public eye in an unprecedented way. Her story is one of a successful career, motherhood, and a dramatic, high-stakes legal separation that has captivated fans and media alike.

This article delves deep into the life of Fabiana Pimentel Owens, providing the most current and verified details about her professional accomplishments, her background, the true timeline of her marriage to Mel Owens, and the staggering financial details—including the reported $980,000 settlement—that mark the end of their long-term relationship.

Fabiana Pimentel Owens: Complete Biography and Profile

Fabiana Pimentel Owens is a highly accomplished professional in the hospitality and lifestyle management sector, primarily known to the public as the ex-wife of former Los Angeles Rams linebacker and "The Golden Bachelor" star, Mel Owens.

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• Full Name: Fabiana Pimentel Owens (often cited as Fabiana Pimentel)
• Date of Birth: 1978
• Age (as of late 2024): Approximately 46–47 years old
• Place of Birth: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
• Nationality: Brazilian, naturalized American resident
• Education: Attended Faculdade da in Brazil and completed studies at UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles)
• Profession: Hospitality Executive, Marketing Director, and Entrepreneur
• Current Role: Director of Experiences at Preferred Hotels & Resorts
• Previous Ventures: Founded a home organization company
• Ex-Husband: Mel Owens (Married for over two decades, split in 2020)
• Children: Two sons, Lucas Owens (born 2005) and Andre Owens (born 2007)

The True Timeline of Fabiana and Mel Owens' Marriage and Split

The relationship between Fabiana Pimentel and Mel Owens spanned over twenty years, a significant period that saw Mel transition from his NFL career to a successful legal practice, and Fabiana establish her own professional standing.

The couple was known for being a private, long-standing pair in the Southern California community. They welcomed two sons, Lucas and Andre, who are now young adults.

The 2020 Separation and Irreconcilable Differences

The marriage officially came to an end in February 2020 when Fabiana filed for divorce. While the initial filing cited the standard "irreconcilable differences," the true cause of the split was later revealed to be more dramatic.

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According to reports, Fabiana Pimentel Owens initiated the divorce after she reportedly fell in love with someone else during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. This revelation provided a sensational, curiosity-piquing detail that distinguished their separation from typical celebrity divorces, especially as Mel Owens prepared for his debut on national television.

Mel Owens himself later commented on the situation, confirming that the decision to end the marriage was not his, and that he was deeply affected by the sudden end to their two-decade-plus relationship.

The Staggering $980,000 Divorce Settlement Dispute

What turned the Owens' separation into a major public story was the protracted and highly contentious legal battle over the financial settlement. The divorce proceedings, which began in 2020, were not officially finalized until late 2024, nearly five years later.

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The core of the dispute centered on the division of marital assets and spousal support. The most shocking detail to emerge from the legal filings was the reported amount Mel Owens was ordered to pay Fabiana Pimentel Owens.

The Final Judgment and Financial Obligation

Recent reports indicate that as part of the final divorce settlement, Mel Owens was reportedly obligated to pay Fabiana a staggering sum of $980,000. This substantial figure represents the financial complexity and high net worth involved in the marriage, particularly given Mel’s successful post-NFL career as a personal injury attorney.

The lengthy nature of the legal battle and the magnitude of the financial judgment highlight the depth of the disagreement between the former couple, even as Mel stepped into the public eye to find love again.

Fabiana Pimentel Owens: A Career Beyond the Marriage

While the media narrative often focuses on her divorce, Fabiana Pimentel Owens has cultivated a highly successful and independent professional career that predates and continues beyond her marriage to Mel Owens.

A Leader in Hospitality Management

Fabiana is a Brazilian-born executive who has lived in the United States for over two decades, establishing herself in the competitive field of marketing and hospitality. She attended UCLA, which provided a strong foundation for her career in the lifestyle sector.

Her current and most notable professional position is the Director of Experiences at Preferred Hotels & Resorts, a prestigious role that requires significant expertise in branding, client relations, and lifestyle management. This role involves curating high-end, unique experiences for clients, underscoring her talent in the luxury market.

Furthermore, Fabiana has entrepreneurial experience, having founded her own home organization company, showcasing her business acumen and drive for independence.

Motherhood and Co-Parenting with Mel Owens

Despite the highly publicized and contentious divorce, the former couple’s primary focus remains their two sons, Lucas and Andre. Lucas, born in 2005, and Andre, born in 2007, were approximately 20 and 18, respectively, when their father began his reality TV journey.

Mel Owens has publicly stated that his sons have been living primarily with him, and he cherishes their relationship. As the boys are now young adults—with Lucas likely in college and Andre finishing high school or starting college—their co-parenting dynamic has shifted to supporting their independent lives.

The need for a stable and supportive environment for their children, even amidst the intense divorce drama and financial disputes, remains a key aspect of Fabiana and Mel's ongoing relationship.