Married At First Sight star Paul Antoine has launched a fiery counterattack against online critics who branded one of his recent social media posts as deeply offensive and "diabolically cringe". The reality television personality found himself at the centre of a fresh storm after sharing a video clip that featured a provocative caption, prompting widespread condemnation across various platforms.
Provocative Post Sparks Widespread Outrage
The controversial video, which shows the MAFS groom getting dressed, included an on-screen message that read: 'Unfortunately I was raised to finish my meals, so I don't care if your legs are shaking.' This caption quickly ignited a firestorm of criticism, with numerous social media users labelling the content as egotistical, offensive, and fundamentally problematic. One particularly vocal critic described the entire production as "diabolically cringe", a sentiment that was echoed by many others who viewed the clip.
Lengthy Instagram Response Defends 'Joke' Post
Paul Antoine has now responded directly to the mounting backlash through an extensive Instagram rant, where he insisted the original post was never intended to be taken seriously. "I'm just here minding my own business, enjoying my morning coffee, and then just about to have another f***ing great wholesome day," the reality star wrote, expressing his frustration at the ongoing controversy.
Expressing genuine surprise that the clip continued to attract significant attention three weeks after its initial upload, Antoine stated: "Okay, we need to have a serious chat about this. So I'm sure a lot of you guys can remember that video, that reel that I posted about roughly three weeks ago. It was, you know, with that little provocative, very provocative actually caption on it."
The MAFS participant emphasised his amusement at the sustained reaction, noting: "I still, three weeks later, I still have people commenting on it. Resharing it. Reacting to it. It's actually f***ing hilarious." He maintained that the post was conceived as a simple joke and accused his detractors of dramatically overreacting to the content.
Rejecting Misogyny Claims and Criticising Critics
In his defensive social media monologue, Paul Antoine directly addressed accusations that the video contained misogynistic undertones, declaring emphatically: "For me, I'm officially a feminist." He then turned his attention to specific critics, including one fitness influencer who created a reaction video mocking his original post.
"I'm like, first of all, who's more cringe in that whole situation? Me or you going out of your way to actually make a reaction video out of my own video?" Antoine questioned. "I genuinely cannot wrap my head around this grown man sitting in his room, captioning this video."
Despite facing considerable criticism, the reality television star appeared more amused than distressed by the situation, even encouraging his followers to seek out the reaction videos for entertainment. "You guys should actually go and have a go and check that video out. It's actually f***ing hilarious," he suggested.
Questioning Online Culture and Personal Investment
Paul Antoine concluded his lengthy response by questioning why individuals invest so much time and energy into attacking strangers on digital platforms. "I just cannot comprehend how people have that much time to go out of their way to reply hateful comments or get so caught up in it," he stated. "It's like they're taking it so personal. Just relax."
This latest social media controversy emerges against the backdrop of Paul Antoine's already polarising stint on Married At First Sight last year, where his behaviour and actions consistently divided viewer opinion. The current online dispute serves to highlight the ongoing challenges reality television stars face when navigating the complex landscape of social media engagement and public perception in the digital age.
