Married at First Sight Australia is facing fresh controversy after police launched an investigation into the hit reality TV show. New South Wales told BBC News that inquiries had taken place "following a report of inappropriate content being shared". Channel Nine, which broadcasts Married at First Sight Australia, confirmed that it was "aware of a police investigation" involving the show's production company.
It is the latest blow for the show, after a BBC News investigation earlier this year into MAFS Australia revealed cast members said they had not been told their partners had previous drug and violence convictions. Those revelations led to a warning from Australia's media watchdog, which called them "serious and disturbing". The British version of Married at First Sight, known to many as MAFS UK, was separately plunged into crisis in May after BBC Panorama reported rape allegations from two female cast members - allegations the men involved have denied.
MAFS UK is made by a different production company to the Australian version. Panorama investigates allegations that raise serious concerns that welfare procedures on Married at First Sight UK have failed contributors, leaving them at risk of harm. Married at First Sight shows single people agreeing to "marry" total strangers after meeting for the first time at their mock weddings.
The marriages are not legally binding, but viewers see the couples go on "honeymoons", before moving in together and navigating their relationships - all while being filmed, almost every day. According to industry news website TV Blackbox, external, a male cast member on the current series of MAFS Australia made a formal complaint to the police after producers allegedly shared private information about him with his on-screen bride. Married at First Sight Australia stars not told partners had drug and violence convictions Married at First Sight Australia allegations 'disturbing', says country's watchdog Married at First Sight UK brides tell BBC they were raped by on-screen husbands A spokesperson for New South Wales Police Force told BBC News: "On Monday 24 August 2026, officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command commenced an investigation following a report of inappropriate content being shared.
"Following inquiries, the matter will be referred to WA [Western Australia] Police Force." BBC News has approached WA Police Force, who said the referral has not yet been received. A spokesperson for Channel Nine said: "We are aware of a police investigation involving Endemol Shine Australia and all enquiries should be directed to them." Endemol Shine Australia, which makes MAFS Australia, has not responded to multiple requests for comment over the latest developments. In June, a BBC News investigation heard from nine former cast members from MAFS Australia, who urged the show to improve its background checks and to stop allowing individuals with previous convictions or allegations on the show.
One woman from last year's Australian series told us she was not told the man she had been matched with had a previous drug conviction and only found out after the show ended. "There should be informed consent," she told us. Responding to those claims at the time, Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia said they had "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and wellbeing".
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