The upcoming season of the Nine reality show, Married At First Sight, is reportedly facing a police investigation. Insiders allege that police have interviewed production staff and seized phones in relation to claims that producers disclosed personal information involving a groom's ex-girlfriend to his on-screen bride.
A male participant allegedly lodged a formal police complaint after producers from Endemol Shine allegedly revealed details about a former girlfriend. According to TV Blackbox, this ambush led to the groom filing a complaint.
A separate source told the Daily Mail that the ex-girlfriend had contacted the production company after learning of the groom's casting. This source claims she sent producers a private video with the intention of sabotaging his appearance on the show, but this plan reportedly failed. It remains unclear precisely what material was allegedly shown to the bride or what consent was obtained.
Insiders have reportedly claimed that producers are being interviewed by police and that their phones have been seized, with one alleging that Endemol Shine has hired lawyers for its producers. Another unverified claim suggested an executive had left the show, though no direct link to the alleged investigation has been established.
In New South Wales, Australia, the intentional distribution of an intimate image without the depicted person's consent can be a criminal offense, carrying a maximum penalty of three years imprisonment, a fine, or both. Consent to making an intimate recording does not automatically equate to consent for its distribution, nor does agreeing to share an image with one person authorize sharing it with another. The specifics of any offense would depend on the evidence and applicable law.
A Nine spokesperson confirmed awareness of a police investigation involving EndemolShine, stating that all inquiries should be directed to them.
This is not the first time the franchise has been involved in allegations concerning private footage. In the 2022 season, participant Olivia Frazer shared an image associated with Domenica Calarco's OnlyFans account, leading to a confrontation. Calarco alleged the circulation was intended to harm her, while Frazer stated she did not act with malice and did not consider the image secret. NSW Police confirmed an investigation into a complaint regarding the alleged distribution of an image without consent at that time.
Additionally, in February 2020, MAFS participant Natasha Spencer reportedly contacted police after an intimate video circulated online, which NSW Police confirmed was under investigation.
Nine has confirmed that the program will return for its 14th season in 2027. NSW Police have been contacted for comment.
