Former contestants of Australia's Married at First Sight (MAFS) have raised serious concerns about the safety of participants, alleging the show fosters an environment of control, manipulation, and isolation. The warnings come after the UK franchise faced allegations of rape and sexual assault.
Season 12 bride Awhina Rutene described the set as a 'pressure cooker' where physical intimacy is rewarded and sex is 'forced'. She criticised the show's vetting process after her on-screen partner Adrian Araouzou faced historical domestic abuse charges, which were dismissed before filming but not disclosed to her until after the season aired.
Another participant, speaking anonymously for fear of repercussions, claimed that men with criminal or domestic violence backgrounds are cast regularly. She alleged that women on her season experienced physical violence, assault, and non-consensual touching, and that the production company 'sat back and let the cameras roll'.
Olivia Rutherford, a season nine cast member, said she does not believe the show can be made safely. The Australian Communications and Media Authority has conducted 10 investigations into MAFS and received 39 complaints, though no breaches of the code of practice have been found.
