Married at First Sight star Melissa Walsh busted ex-fiance sharing nude pics

Married At First Sight star Melissa Walsh shares her story after she busted her ex-fiance Fred Whitson, who secretly shared nude pics of an ADF servicewoman with his Navy buddies.

Married At First Sight star Melissa Walsh has urged “women to support women” after she discovered her then fiancee sharing secret nude photos of a servicewoman with his Navy buddies, and then alerted the victim to his crimes.

The reality star appeared on season five of the hit show in 2018 where she ‘married’ co-star John Robertson, but when things didn’t work out she ended up getting engaged to Fred Whitson, a member of the Royal Australian Navy and an accomplished artist.

The Melbourne writer saw him as the quintessential gentleman in uniform; a reserved, polite and respectful man.

Yet the facade instantly crumbled one September night in 2020, when Ms Walsh saw a text message flash on Whitson’s phone from his navy buddy, Patrick Beaman, requesting he send nude photos of a female ADF member because he “needed to w**k”.

The reality TV star said her heart sank when she saw the message, and she decided to investigate.

Married At First Sight star Melissa Walsh learnt her ex-fiance Fred Whitson was sharing nude photos of an ADF servicewoman without her knowledge. Picture: supplied

“I said to him ‘what did you send to (Beaman)’ and he tried to deny it,” she said.

“I said ‘well I saw the message, you need to tell me — I want you to show me your phone’.”

Ms Walsh said she felt “gaslit” as her former fiance evaded her questions, but she held her ground

“(I said) ‘no, I’m seeing this now’,” she said. “And then I could see he sent some photos to one of his colleagues.

“After that it all went downhill.

“I said to him you need to get some help, this is illegal what you are doing — you have used your reputation as an ‘artist’ to get these poor young girls to get their gear off for you and your friends.”

Melissa Walsh (left) and ex-fiance Fred Whitson (right). Picture Supplied/ Julia Kanapathippillai

Within a week of learning about her fiance’s sordid actions Ms Walsh called it quits on the relationship, and then contacted the victim to let her know how her images — which she thought would only be used as references for Whitson’s artwork — were really being used.

Her actions ultimately led to an investigation which resulted in the convictions of Whitson and two other sailors.

Whitson was dismissed from the Navy in August after Defence Force Magistrate Major General Michael Cowan convicted him of two counts of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence and of prejudicial conduct.

Co-accused sailor Fletcher Mitchell, 38, had his rank reduced from Leading Seaman to Able Seaman after Major General Cowan convicted him of using a carriage service to menace, harass, or cause offence.

Fred Whitson (left) and Fletcher Mitchell leave the Defence Magistrates Court, Canberra. Picture: Julia Kanapathippillai

Finally, the third co-accused sailor Beaman, whose lewd text to Whitson alerted Walsh to the perverted activities of the three men, was convicted of prejudicial conduct by Defence Force Magistrate Group Captain Scott Geeves on Tuesday.

Beaman had his rank reduced from Able Seaman to Seaman, was issued a severe reprimand, and fined $1000.

Patrick Beaman in uniform, and leaving the Defence Force Magistrates Court, Canberra on September 27, 2022. Picture: Facebook/ Julia Kanapathippillai.

During the court appearances it was revealed as early as 2014 Whitson and Mitchell had sent lewd messages to each other devising a plan to convince the victim to pose nude under the guise of art.

The court heard in April 2014, Whitson and Mitchell had a Facebook messenger conversation about the complainant, where they discussed the woman sitting for Whitson’s artwork.

At one point Whitson told Mitchell if he went to “forbidden lands” during an artist sitting with the victim, he would capture anything that happened to keep in his “spank bank”.

During an artist sitting in March 2015, Whitson took three images of the woman in a state of undress, which he shared with Mitchell during that year.

Five years later Whitson shared the same images with Beaman.

Ms Walsh said telling the victim what she knew was more difficult than breaking up with Whitson.

“I was so anxious when I messaged her — I felt sick in the stomach because I knew I was giving her information that was going to be devastating,” she said

“But I know the reason why I shared that information with her — if it was happening to me I would want to know.

“(The victim is) another woman who is being disrespected and who has been disrespected for quite a few years without her knowledge.”

Ms Walsh said learning her former fiance had deceived the victim years before she even met him made her realise Whitson had “always been untrustworthy and sly”.

“(He’s) the sort of person who was on the outside a reserved, ethical intelligent man who was actually quite slimy underneath – and he had been for a long time,” she said.

The reality star said it was difficult to relive her past with Whitson during the investigation and court processes but said she was impressed by the Defence Magistrate Court process.

“I expected that it would possibly swept under the rug but (the court) took so much responsibility to make sure this was addressed,” she said.

“They were so respectful towards me, I know they were respectful to the other lady as well, they were very conscious and sensitive about the fact it was really emotional.

“I’m just so happy the woman in question was vindicated. Imagine telling someone this happened to you and nothing being done about it.”

“(After the second court case) wrapped up I genuinely felt not only an enormous sense of relief but also I was so proud of the fact I didn’t shy away and I stood up for another woman.”

For Walsh her experience has taught her the value of self respect and standing up for other women.

“(Breaking up with Whitson) was the first time in my life that I’ve felt like I actually did not need a man to be happy,” she said. “I’m in a wonderful relationship now but I felt like ‘you know what — I’m so happy by myself’.”

Meantime, to other people who find themselves in similar situations, Walsh has the following advice.

“Once you get over the shock you have to be honest with yourself and think about what you deserve rather than putting up with someone’s bad behaviour,” she said.

“Love yourself enough to get out.

“(You can still) be sad and disappointed — do whatever you need to do — but just love yourself enough to go. You deserve better.

“It’s so important for women to support women.

“You have to have the guts to tell them and realise it’s not going to be a ‘shoot the messenger’ situation.”

For Walsh, despite the anxiety and pain, the decision to speak out was simple.

“If I didn’t say anything how could I live with myself?”