Media watchdog to probe MAFS shock ‘abuse’ claims

Media watchdog ACMA is investigating Married At First Sight after 67 complaints from viewers, many involving Bryce and Melissa’s turbulent relationship.

Reality show Married At First Sight is being investigated by the TV watchdog over more than 60 complaints from viewers about mental abuse, gaslighting and the promotion of domestic conflict.

The Channel 9 show has previously been the subject of complaints from former contestants and staff who have made allegations of bullying.
Now the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is investigating a series of viewer complaints ranging from concerns about mental health and “abusive interchanges” to the welfare of contestants.

Married At First Sight couple Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson. Picture: Channel 9

Bryce and Melissa announce they are expecting.

“The ACMA received 67 complaints about the 2021 season of Married At First Sight Australia. The ACMA has commenced an investigation into episodes of the 2021 season of Married At First Sight,” an ACMA spokesman told The Daily Telegraph.

“A significant proportion of the complaints alleged the program included personally abusive interchanges between participants through gaslighting, social, verbal and mental abuse and that the program perpetuated and promoted the theme of domestic and emotional conflict.”

In April, Nine issued a lengthy apology to complainants in line with ACMA’s regulations.

The letter was sent out after more than 15,000 viewers signed a Change.org petition accusing the network and production company Endemol Shine of failing in its duty-of-care to participants, due to what some described as “distressing” scenes between tumultuous couple Bryce Ruthven and Melissa Rawson.

A producer attempts to stop a physical altercation between two brides.

“Nine takes seriously the concerns raised by its viewers and makes every effort to ensure that the material it presents is consistent with community standards and complies with Nine’s regulatory obligations,” the letter stated.

Whistleblower Dr Trisha Stratford (centre), who appeared as an expert on the show for seven seasons, claims she was “bullied” by Channel 9 after raising concerns about the welfare of contestants.

Former contestant Dean Wells claims producers welcome controversy by pushing “sexist” themes to boost ratings.

“There’s deceptive editing, it’s absolutely disgusting,” he said.

“The show is trying to appeal to women of a certain demographic and it’s my belief that they very purposely portray people, especially men, in a certain way that is going to get a reaction out of that demographic and get them angry and engaged.

“I believe that’s a very deliberate tactic by Channel 9 and the producers to get a reaction because any noise is publicity for Channel 9.”

Former contestant Dean Wells slammed the show’s “sexist” themes.

It comes after one of the show’s experts, Dr Trisha Stratford, claimed she was “bullied” by Nine after raising concerns about the wellbeing of contestants on the show.

“I felt ethically, professionally, morally compromised,” Dr Stratford, who is a clinical neuropsychotherapist specialising in the neuroscience of relationships, recently told ABC’s Background Briefing podcast.

When Dr Stratford asked Nine for a meeting because she felt a contestant needed to come off the show, she said was met by “an array of top level people and lawyers from Nine and production company Endemol Shine”.

“I also felt they were attempting to bully me,” she said.

Dr Stratford, who appeared in seven seasons before abruptly leaving the show last year, also claimed the show “pushes the boundaries” to boost ratings.

The Telegraph has contacted Channel 9 for comment.