In brief
The hit reality series "Married at First Sight" Australia is now under scrutiny by New South Wales police after a complaint that the show's producers shared private information about a cast member with his bride. The investigation follows a BBC inquiry earlier this year that revealed participants were not informed that some of their partners had prior criminal convictions. Channel Nine and production house Endemol Shine Australia have confirmed the investigation but remain silent on details, while the Australian media watchdog has already labeled the revelations as "serious and disturbing." The controversy continues as the UK version faces its own scandal, keeping the franchise under intense public and regulatory pressure.
The hit Australian reality series Married at First Sight (MAFS) is now the centre of a police investigation after a former cast member lodged a formal complaint that producers had shared private information about him with his on‑screen bride.
On 24 August, officers attached to South Sydney Police included in the South Sydney Police Area Command in New South Wales launched an inquiry following a report of inappropriate content being shared. The officers said the matter would be referred to Western Australia Police and that a report is still pending.
Channel Nine, which broadcasts the show, confirmed it was aware of the investigation, urging inquiries to be directed to the production house, Endemol Shine Australia. The company, which makes the series, has yet to respond to multiple requests for comment.
MAFS Australia is not the only version of the franchise in trouble. Earlier this year, a BBC inquiry revealed that several cast members had not been informed that their prospective partners carried criminal convictions for drugs or violence. The Australian media watchdog called the revelations "serious and disturbing." In the UK, the program has been embroiled in accusations of on‑screen rape, prompting a review by Ofcom and a provisional halt of UK episodes on Channel 4.
According to a BBC report, nine former Australian cast members called for stricter background checks and better protection of participants’ welfare. One woman told reporters she was only made aware of her partner’s drug conviction after the show had finished. Channel Nine and Endemol Shine Australia have repeatedly stated that they have "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and wellbeing," but those assurances may now be under scrutiny.
While the Australian investigation continues, a review of the UK version’s welfare system is due "any day now," according to Ofcom. The tension surrounding the franchise highlights the growing demand for transparency and due care in reality TV production.
For further inquiries, contact the author at noor.nanji@bbc.co.uk.
