In brief
New South Wales Police have opened an investigation into the hit Australian reality series Married at First Sight after a report that the production company had shared inappropriate material with a contestant. Channel Nine confirmed awareness of the inquiry and directed questions to Endemol Shine Australia, which has yet to comment. The case follows a BBC investigation that exposed hidden criminal records of partners, prompting a warning from the Australian media regulator. Meanwhile, the UK version of the show faced a separate scandal when Panorama uncovered rape allegations, leading to an Ofcom inquiry. Viewers and former participants are demanding stronger background checks and safety protocols.
Police in New South Wales have opened an investigation into the popular reality series Married at First Sight Australia, after a report surfaced that the show had shared inappropriate material with a contestant.
Channel Nine said it was aware of the police inquiry and that any questions should be directed to the production company, Endemol Shine Australia. The company has not yet responded to media queries.
The case follows a BBC News investigation earlier this year that exposed the show’s failure to inform participants that their partners had a history of drug use and violent offences, a breach that drew a "serious and disturbing" warning from the Australian media regulator.
In the UK, a separate scandal erupted in May when BBC Panorama uncovered a series of rape allegations against male contestants on the Channel 4 version of the programme, stirring a national debate on participant welfare and leading to a formal Ofcom inquiry.
‘We are aware of a police investigation involving Endemol Shine Australia and all enquiries should be directed to them,’ Channel Nine added. The NSW Police spokesman said the matter would be referred to Western Australia law‑enforcement if necessary.
As the production company has yet to comment, viewers and former participants are calling for stricter background checks and stronger safeguards to prevent a repeat of the series’ troubled past.
