In brief
Police in New South Wales have opened an inquiry into the production of the reality series Married at First Sight Australia after a cast member accused producers of disclosing his private data to his on‑screen partner. Channel Nine confirmed awareness of the investigation, pointing questions to Endemol Shine Australia, the show's maker. The probe follows a BBC investigation that revealed contestants were not informed of partners’ criminal histories, prompting a caution from Australia’s media regulator. Similar controversies hit the UK version last year when rape allegations surfaced, leading to a governmental review. The Australian show remains on air while the investigation continues.
Police investigate Married at First Sight Australia after 'inappropriate' allegations
The Australian reality series is under scrutiny as New South Wales police opened an inquiry after a cast member claimed producers revealed his private information to his fiancé on camera. The allegations come amid ongoing concerns about contestant safety.
"On Monday 24 August 2026, officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command commenced an investigation following a report of inappropriate content being shared," a spokesperson said. The matter has now been referred to Western Australia Police, who have yet to confirm receipt.
Channel Nine, which broadcasts the show, confirmed it is aware of the investigation and directed all enquiries to the production company, Endemol Shine Australia. The company has not replied to repeated requests for comment.
The investigation follows a BBC News exposé earlier this year that uncovered nine former contestants alleging that the show had failed to disclose participants’ drug use and violent histories. Those findings prompted Australia’s media watchdog to describe the revelations as "serious and disturbing" and to call for stricter background checks.
Last summer, the UK version of Married at First Sight was forced to suspend all episodes after BBC Panorama aired rape allegations made by two former brides. The incident triggered an Ofcom investigation and a requested review of contributor welfare, which is still pending publication.
MAFS Australia remains available to viewers, while the show's producers maintain that they have "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and wellbeing". However, the recent police probe and regulatory warnings point to a growing scrutiny of reality TV formats that pair strangers overnight.
What comes next? The outcome of the NSW inquiry, and a possible full report from the Australian media regulator, will shape the future of the show. Meanwhile, the UK review awaits a final report, with Ofcom spokesperson Dame Melanie Dawes indicating the summary should be released "any day now".
For more on the matter, you can contact the author at noor.nanji@bbc.co.uk.
