In brief
A BBC investigation uncovered that several Married at First Sight Australia contestants were no longer informed about their partners’ previous drug and violence convictions. The Australian media regulator ACMA said the allegations were “serious and disturbing,” echoing concerns from UK regulator Ofcom over participant safety. Channel 9 and production company Endemol Shine Australia said they have extensive screening protocols but will review the findings. The UK version of the show has had its episodes pulled from streaming while an external review continues.
What the BBC found
A BBC investigation on Saturday revealed that several male contestants on Married at First Sight Australia (MAFSA) had hidden histories of drug use and violent offences. The producers said they were not given any prior indication that their on‑screen partners had such convictions.
Nine MAFSA stars told the BBC that they wanted a stricter background‑check process and stricter rules around admitting anyone with a criminal record.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) called the allegations “serious and disturbing”, and noted that its remit covers only whether aired content complies with industry codes. The UK regulator Ofcom also said the claims were deeply concerning and will consider them in its ongoing reviews of contributor care.
Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia said they have a structured, multi‑stage checking process that includes police and criminal‑history checks, independent clinical psychological assessment, medical screening, and a statutory declaration. They also added that they will review the BBC’s findings.
Channel 4, which broadcasts the UK version of MAFSA, has pulled all episodes from its streaming service All 4 while its external review into contributor welfare is pending. The UK show is produced by a different company to the Australian version and Channel 4 has no editorial control over it.
Both the UK and Australian versions involve couples who agree to marry strangers after a first wedding ceremony. While the marriage isn’t legally binding, viewers see the couples go on “honeymoons”, move in together and navigate their relationship under constant camera‑eye.
For more detail on the investigation, read the BBC News article Married at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictions.
