Married At First Sight is being investigated by media watchdog

The eighth season of Married At First Sight Australia sparked its fair share of controversy when it hit screens earlier this year.  

And Australia’s media watchdog has now officially commenced an investigation after receiving a record number of 54 viewer complaints, The Herald Sun reports. 

Speaking to the publication, a representative from the Australian Communications and Media Authority confirmed: ‘The ACMA has commenced an investigation into episodes of the 2021 season of MAFS and is currently assessing the scope of the investigation noting the range of issues raised in complaints over several episodes.’ 

A significant proportion of the complaints alleged the program included personally abusive interactions between participants via gaslighting, social, verbal and mental abuse, and that the program perpetuated and promoted the theme of domestic abuse.

In April, Nine sent a lengthy two page letter apologising for ‘any concerns which may have been raised by your viewing of the Program,’ but defended its content as keeping with its classification.

Many viewers took offence at scenes involving controversial couple Melissa Rawson and Bryce Ruthven.

ACMA revealed it had at that time received 14 complaints about this year’s season of MAFS, and four of those were about Bryce and Melissa, both 31.

‘Under the co-regulatory system, the ACMA will refer complainants to the broadcaster in the first instance,’ the media watchdog said back in April.

If the complainant does not receive a response from the broadcaster within 60 days, or is not satisfied with the response, they may refer their complaint to the ACMA who may choose to investigate.

In a lengthy letter obtained by The Wash, Nine apologised for the way the reality show made some viewers feel.

‘We sincerely apologise for any concern or distress which may have been raised by your viewing of the program,’ Nine’s compliance department wrote.

The network stated the views of the show’s participants did not reflect Nine as a whole, and that everyone on the show has access to psychological support.

Nine also acknowledged that ‘bullying and conflict’ are ‘serious issues’, but insisted Married At First Sight did not breach any broadcast standards.

The eighth season of Married At First Sight Australia was the most complained-about season in the show’s history.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) received more than 50 official complaints – a record number for the watchdog.

‘A significant proportion of the complaints alleged the program included personally abusive interchanges between participants through gaslighting, social, verbal and mental abuse and that the program perpetuated and promoted the theme of domestic abuse,’ an ACMA spokesperson said in a statement.