'Married at First Sight': Show under fire over background-check issues
What's the story
The Australian media watchdog has termed allegations that contestants on Married at First Sight Australia were not informed about their partners' past drug, assault, and violence convictions as "serious and disturbing." The claims, detailed in a BBC News investigation, have also caught the attention of the UK's media regulator Ofcom. The show has been marred by controversy over allowing male contestants with such convictions to participate.
Statement
Strong protocols in place: Channel 9, Endemol Shine Australia
Channel 9, the Australian broadcaster of MAFS Australia, and Endemol Shine Australia, the production company behind the show, have defended their screening processes. They said they have "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and well-being." Despite such assurances, several male contestants with a history of violence or drug use have been featured on the show.
Show's popularity
UK episodes of MAFS removed from streaming service
Despite the controversy, MAFS Australia continues to be a hit in both Australia and the UK. The show is aired on Channel 4 in the UK. However, following the allegations, Channel 4 has removed all UK episodes of MAFS from its streaming service All 4. Meanwhile, MAFS Australia is still available for viewing. The UK show was also recently rocked by rape allegations against two male contestants by their female counterparts.
Participant concerns
Calls for better background checks
In light of the allegations and controversy, former participants of MAFS Australia have called for better background checks and stricter screening processes. The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has acknowledged these concerns but stated that its jurisdiction is limited to investigating whether broadcast content complies with industry codes of practice. The ACMA has encouraged public members to raise their concerns with the broadcaster and the relevant authority.
Official response
Joint statement by Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia
The ACMA also clarified that its codes of practice do not contain any rules on how program participants should be treated. Meanwhile, in a joint statement, Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia have said they take their obligations regarding the health, well-being, and safety of participants "extremely seriously." They added, "There is a structured, multi-stage checking process that every participant must complete and clear."