Married at First Sight participants have claimed further unsafe behaviour on the Australian version of the reality show, after abuse allegations were revealed last week.
The allegations include “a bride being filmed in the shower without her knowledge, non-consensual touching by a groom, and production staff blocking exits to stop cast members from leaving the set,” the Sydney Morning Herald reports.
This morning it’s been revealed that the relevant persons responsible for MAFS AU received three SafeWork NSW improvement notices after a number of participants, and a member of the public who watched an episode at home, raised formal concerns about an unsafe working environment during the 2025 season.
Mediaweek has reached out to Nine Entertainment for comment today and received the below statement from a spokesperson:
“Nine and Endemol Shine take their obligations in respect to the health, wellbeing and safety of the participants of MAFS Australia extremely seriously.
“When it comes to the health, wellbeing and safety of participants our approach is not a ‘set and forget’. We are continually looking at ways we can improve our process and support. At the end of each season we review and make adjustments where needed.
“We’ve co-operated with SafeWork NSW’s enquiries to Nine and will continue to do so as required.
“All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended.
“Nine also provides an additional service for participants should they like or need further individual and confidential psychological support. This service gives participants access to clinicians to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants for as long as they need it, with no end date.”
Jacqui Burfoot was a MAFS AU 2025 contestant, who’s now made serious allegations against the show – you can read them here. Image: Instagram
MAFS gets three SafeWork NSW improvement notices
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that it obtained documents, under freedom of information laws, which cited details of allegations made against some ‘husbands’ and crew to SafeWork NSW.
The documents included a situation report provided to SafeWork Minister Sophie Cotsis which recorded the allegations as “potentially serious psychosocial hazards.”
SafeWork NSW investigated the allegations after a viewer notified SafeWork NSW about the airing of a scene where a ‘husband’ punched a hole in a wall, which raised work health and safety concerns for those present on set.
The document also cites allegations of “violence and aggression by producers and grooms on the show including non-consensual touching by a groom”.
One such incident alleged a ‘wife’ being filmed while showering without her knowledge or consent.
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Complaints were also made about a general lack of privacy; such as production staff having keys to cast apartments, and the forbidding by staff of removing microphones in bathrooms.
After an investigation into the significant number of allegations, the SMH reports that “SafeWork NSW ordered production to improve reporting of notifiable incidents (events that include dangerous incidents, injuries or death), systems to manage physical and psychological hazards, and work health and safety training.”
The SafeWork NSW investigation is now concluded.
‘Incredibly dangerous’: Tanya Pilbersek slams Nine’s ‘MAFS’
Tanya Pilbersek, Minister for Social Services and member for Sydney, felt compelled to speak out about this year’s season of MAFS as it aired in March.
Mediaweek reported that Pilbersek posted a video to Instagram about the appearance of ‘husband’ Tyson Gordon. She is seen watching a clip on her phone of him being challenged by podcaster and television host Laura Byrne about his attitude to women.
“Seriously, this guys,” Pilbersek says at the end of the clip. “This is exactly the sort of controlling behaviour that we’re trying to combat when we talk about getting rid of coercive control.
“The fact that this is being mainstreamed on a really popular show is really disappointing.
“I really do think the makers of this show need to think twice before platforming this sort of misogyny.”
Pilbersek added a strong statement in the caption of the post.
Tanya Pilbersek speaks out about ‘MAFS’. Image: Instagram
“When men who idolise ‘submissive’ and ‘obedient’ women are normalised on prime-time TV, it means coercive control is given a national platform,” she wrote.
“That’s not entertaining, it’s incredibly dangerous. This is the exact kind of cultural messaging we’re trying to change.
“Messaging which encourages control and dehumanises women, which is supercharged by algorithms peddling misogyny for profit.
“We’re doing our bit as a government – we’ve delayed kids’ access to social media for this very reason, and we’re investing in education programs that promote healthy and equal relationships.”
Pilbersek concluded with the plea, “Please don’t expose your kids to this stuff.”
She finally added, “Let’s continue to call out this behaviour for what it is – the harmful need to exert control over women dressed up as a normal part of a relationship.”
If you need help, please reach out to:
Lifeline: Lifeline’s 13 11 14 crisis support service is available 24/7. Anyone in Australia can speak to a trained crisis supporter over the phone at any time. To chat or text for support, or for more information, visit Lifeline at lifelinedirect.org.au/
Top image: Some of the cast of MAFS Au 2025. Imagine: Nine