Participants in the Australian edition of the reality television programme Married at First Sight were not informed that their assigned partners had prior convictions for drug offences and violent crimes, a parliamentary inquiry has heard. The revelation, which emerged during a hearing of the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Social Policy and Legal Affairs, has raised serious questions about the duty of care owed to contestants by production companies.
Testifying before the committee, a former participant identified as Sarah stated that she had not been told her on-screen husband had been convicted for assault and possession of illicit substances. She said she learned of his criminal history only after the show had aired. Another contestant, Jake, reported that his partner had a record for drug trafficking, a fact omitted from the pre-filming briefing materials.
The disclosures have prompted sharp criticism from advocacy groups and legal experts, who argue that the failure to vet or disclose such information places participants at risk. "This is not merely a matter of personal safety but of institutional negligence," said Dr. Eleanor Graves, a lecturer in media law at the University of Sydney. "Producers have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure that participants are fully informed of any material facts that could affect their wellbeing."
The programme, which matches couples based on psychological assessments and expert recommendations, has been accused of prioritising dramatic content over participant welfare. Channel 9, the network that broadcasts the show in Australia, declined to comment on the specific allegations, but a spokesperson said in a statement that "the safety and wellbeing of all participants is of paramount importance." The statement added that the production team conducts background checks, though it did not specify the scope of those checks or whether results are shared with other participants.
The parliamentary inquiry, which is examining practices within the reality television industry, has heard evidence of widespread concerns regarding mental health support, contractual obligations, and the use of alcohol to heighten tensions on set. Labour MP Tim Watts, who chairs the committee, said that the latest testimony was "deeply troubling" and indicative of a systemic lack of accountability.
"We are seeing patterns across multiple productions where participants are exposed to physical and emotional risks without adequate safeguards," Watts said. "The time has come for mandatory standards, including the clear disclosure of any relevant criminal history."
Since its premiere in 2015, Married at First Sight Australia has become one of the network's highest-rated programmes, but its track record has been marred by controversy. In a recent incident, two participants were formally cautioned by police after a violent altercation was filmed during a dinner party segment. The production company, Endemol Shine Australia, has not responded to requests for comment on the latest allegations.
The committee is expected to release its recommendations later this year. They are likely to include calls for legislative reform to close loopholes in the current regulatory framework, which treats reality television participants as independent contractors rather than employees. This classification has allowed producers to circumvent workplace safety laws and standard background check protocols.
For the participants who have come forward, the lack of transparency has had lasting consequences. Sarah told the committee that she has sought professional counselling and struggles with trust issues following her experience. "I signed up for a chance at love, not to be put in a situation where my safety was compromised without my knowledge," she said. "The show sold me a fantasy, but the reality was very different."
