Married at First Sight Australia faces backlash over unrevealed criminal records
A BBC investigation has uncovered that several cast members of the Australian episode of Married at First Sight (MAFS) were paired with partners who had previous drug or violence convictions, yet neither the women nor the men were told of these records before filming began. The revelations come amid earlier controversies that followed the UK version of the programme, which saw allegations of rape made public by contestants.
Brides claim they were left unprotected
Sierah Swepstone, who appeared last year, says that her match, Billy Belcher, had a drug conviction in 2014 and only discovered this after the show ended. She quoted, “There should be informed consent. You shouldn’t be left alone with a stranger who has a criminal record.” Swepstone added that the lack of disclosure made her feel unsafe and that the producers had failed in their duty of care.
Another unnamed contestant, referred to in the story as Anna, also said her partner had admitted to violent behaviour during filming. Anna claimed she was “terrified the whole time” and felt her safety had been ignored. The partner has denied all accusations, saying the claims were “false and malicious.”
Background‑check practices under scrutiny
Channel 9, the network that airs MAFS Australia, and production house Endemol Shine Australia have said they conduct “extensive background checks” that include police checks, clinical assessments, medical screenings and legal due diligence. However, former participants report that these checks appeared rushed, with some actors receiving no evidence of an absence of criminal history and producers relying on the contestant’s word.
The investigation lists specific cases: a groom on the 2025 series had a 2017 affray conviction; another on the 2024 series had a U.S. drug‑trafficking conviction discovered after filming; and a recent cast member faced a conviction for common assault. Each case was reportedly known to the production team but not disclosed to the on‑screen partner.
Calls for stricter safeguarding measures
Participants such as Katie Johnstone (2025) and Tahnee Cook (2023) argue that a “blank check” was used for contestants with a “sketchy background.” They stress that producers should inform women about potential risks and that the process cannot simply be a ticking‑box exercise.
A local non‑profit, Our Watch, has urged television producers to treat such allegations or convictions as serious safeguarding issues and to ensure they are not withheld from vulnerable participants.
Industry response and broader implications
Channel 4, which acquired the UK version, clarified that it is not involved in the production of MAFS Australia and has no editorial control, yet it insists any version it airs meets the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.
The investigation underscores a growing demand for transparent casting practices and robust participant safety protocols across the reality‑TV industry, especially when contestants are paired with strangers in highly intimate settings.
