Stars of Married at First Sight Australia have revealed they felt unsafe and unprotected on the show because their on-screen partners had criminal histories that were not disclosed to them. A BBC investigation has uncovered that participants were not informed about previous drug convictions or charges of affray involving individuals they were matched with.

This situation mirrors concerns surrounding the British version of the show, MAFS UK, which recently faced scrutiny following rape allegations from two contestants, which the accused men deny. The revelation raises questions about the vetting processes for reality television participants, particularly when individuals are placed in intimate and high-pressure situations.

One former participant from the Australian series stated she discovered her on-screen husband had a prior drug conviction only after the show concluded, emphasizing the importance of informed consent in such relationships. Another groom from the same season had a conviction for affray, a fact his on-screen bride was reportedly not made aware of.

Nine former cast members of MAFS Australia have now urged the production company, Endemol Shine Australia, to enhance its background checks and to cease casting individuals with past convictions or allegations. These former participants are calling for greater transparency and safety measures to protect future contestants.

Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia, the broadcaster and production company behind MAFS Australia respectively, issued a joint statement asserting that robust protocols are in place to safeguard participant welfare. The show, which involves singles marrying strangers and documenting their relationships, is a popular program both in Australia and internationally, airing in the UK on Channel 4.

While Channel 4 has removed UK episodes of MAFS from its streaming service following the allegations against the UK show's contestants, MAFS Australia remains available. The format of the show, which involves immediate marriage and cohabitation under constant filming, intensifies the need for thorough pre-show screening.

Some of the criminal histories, including convictions or allegations related to violence, assault, or drug use, have been previously reported in Australian media, while other details are being brought to light for the first time by the BBC through court records. The investigation highlights a pattern where contestants were exposed to partners with undisclosed serious past offenses.

The lack of disclosure has led to significant distress and feelings of betrayal among former participants, who argue that knowing their partners' backgrounds would have fundamentally altered their decision to participate or their experience on the show. Unresolved questions remain regarding the extent of the vetting process and the specific criteria used to allow individuals with criminal histories to appear on the program.