Married at First Sight Australia allegations 'disturbing', says country's watchdog
BBC News 2026-06-15 23:40:31
Context: The allegations against Married at First Sight Australia have been deemed "disturbing" by the country's media watchdog, following a BBC News investigation. The show, which is also popular in the UK and broadcast on Channel 4, has faced scrutiny over its handling of contestants with previous convictions. The show is produced by Endemol Shine Australia and broadcast on Channel 9 in Australia.
Key Facts
- The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has stated that allegations against Married at First Sight Australia, including claims that stars were not told about their on-screen partners' previous drug and violence convictions, are "serious and disturbing".
- Nine former Married at First Sight Australia stars told the BBC that they wanted the show to improve its background checks and stop allowing individuals with previous convictions on the show.
- Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia have stated that they have "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and wellbeing", including police and criminal-history checks, independent clinical psychological assessment, and medical screening.
- Channel 4 has pulled all UK episodes of Married at First Sight Australia from its streaming service All 4, and has commissioned an external review into contributor welfare on the UK version of the show.
- Ofcom has described the allegations against Married at First Sight Australia as "deeply concerning", and will consider the findings of Channel 4's review alongside other evidence.