Police Investigate 'Married at First Sight Australia' Over Allegations

New South Wales Police Force has launched an investigation into "Married at First Sight Australia" following a report of inappropriate content being shared.

Officers attached to South Sydney Police Area Command began their inquiries on Monday, August 24, 2026. The police stated that following their initial inquiries, the matter will be referred to Western Australia Police Force. As of now, WA Police Force has indicated they have not yet received the referral.

A spokesperson for Channel Nine, which airs the show, directed all inquiries to Endemol Shine Australia, the production company responsible for "MAFS Australia." Endemol Shine Australia has not yet responded to requests for comment.

This investigation follows previous concerns raised about the show's practices. In June, nine former cast members from "MAFS Australia" urged the show to enhance its background checks and refrain from casting individuals with prior convictions or allegations. One former participant detailed discovering after the show concluded that the person she was matched with had a previous drug conviction, emphasizing the need for informed consent.

At the time these claims were made, Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia maintained they had robust protocols in place to ensure participant safety and well-being.

"Married at First Sight Australia" is a popular program not only in its home country but also internationally, including in the United Kingdom, where it is broadcast on Channel 4. In May, Channel 4 removed UK episodes of "MAFS" from its streaming service shortly before a BBC "Panorama" investigation aired, though "MAFS Australia" remains available.

Separately, a cast member from the UK version of "Married at First Sight" was arrested in July on suspicion of rape, following the "Panorama" program. The identity of the individual and the alleged victim have not been released. The UK's media regulator, Ofcom, has also initiated its own investigation into the UK version of the show, which has run for 10 seasons and is one of Channel 4's highest-rated programs.

Channel 4 has commissioned a review into the welfare of contributors on the UK show, with plans to publish only a summary of the findings. The chief executive of Channel 4 had previously stated the review was expected in the summer, but its publication has been delayed. Ofcom's chief executive recently informed Members of Parliament that the report was anticipated "any day now."

Lawyers for CPL, the independent production company behind the UK version, have asserted that their contributor welfare system is "gold standard" and industry-leading.