Ryan Donnelly, a groom from the Australian reality TV show Married at First Sight, has applied for an apprehended domestic violence order against his on-screen bride, Jacqui Burfoot. The application was heard at Sydney's Campbelltown Local Court on Wednesday.
Donnelly alleges that Burfoot has made 'vicious' and 'malicious' claims about him online, causing him 'a lot of harm' and leading to menacing messages. 'An individual has tried to destroy my life, my potential for career options, collaborations … with false allegations, so men can be victims as well,' he told reporters outside the courthouse.
The 37-year-old is seeking a two-year order that would prevent Burfoot from publishing anything about him or his friends on social media, and from assaulting, threatening, stalking, or intimidating him. It would also bar her from damaging his property, including harming his dog Freya.
Burfoot, who is now engaged to another MAFS co-star, Clint Rice, did not appear in court but sent an email opposing the order. She claims the application is 'founded on false statements and is in retaliation to my win in court' after she was granted an interim restraining order in Tasmania. She argues that Donnelly is 'using court proceedings in a way to mislead the public through the media' and that it is a 'waste of court resources'.
Magistrate Shane McAnulty declined to grant the order in Burfoot's absence and asked both parties to prepare submissions. The matter will return to court on June 24. Donnelly stated he wants to move on with his life but ensure his protection, and believes he has 'an extremely strong case' for defamation against Burfoot.
