In brief
New South Wales police have opened an inquiry into the production company behind "Married at First Sight Australia" following reports of inappropriate material being shared. The investigation comes after earlier BBC probes revealed cast members were unaware of partners’ criminal histories, and the UK version faced rape allegations. Channel Nine confirmed awareness of the police work, while Endemol Shine Australia has not yet commented. The inquiry will be referred to Western Australia Police. Industry watchdogs and viewers alike demand stricter screening and transparency from the programme.
Police in New South Wales have opened a formal investigation into the production company behind the reality‑television show Married at First Sight Australia after a user reported inappropriate content being shared between the cast and production staff.
The inquiry was launched on 24 August when officers attached to the South Sydney Police Area Command received a complaint over the alleged distribution of videos. Police said the matter will be referred to the Western Australia Police Force for further action.
Channel Nine, the broadcaster of the series, confirmed its awareness of the probe and directed all related enquiries to the production company Endemol Shine Australia.
Endemol Shine Australia has not yet responded to requests for comment, adding to the mounting pressure on the show following a BBC investigation last year. That report uncovered that several participants were not informed that their intended partners had prior drug and violent offenses.
A 2023 BBC Panorama special on the UK version of the series revealed rape claims from two former contestants, further tainting the franchise’s reputation. Channel 4, which airs the UK edition, has pulled all episodes from its streaming service ahead of the broadcast of the Panorama findings and is awaiting the results of an Ofcom review.
If you have any further information about this story, please contact the report writer at noor.nanji@bbc.co.uk.
