In brief
Police in New South Wales have opened a fresh investigation into the production of Married at First Sight Australia after reports of inappropriate content being shared. The investigation follows a 2026 BBC News expose that revealed cast members were not told their partners had drug and violence convictions. The Australian version of the hit reality series, produced by Endemol Shine Australia, has also faced scrutiny as a UK cohort endured a separate Panorama investigation over rape allegations. The inquiry, still pending a response from the production company, highlights growing concerns over contestant safety and the need for stricter background checks.
Police in New South Wales announced an investigation into the production of Married at First Sight Australia after concerns were raised about allegedly inappropriate content sharing.
Channel Nine confirmed it was aware of the inquiry, directing all enquiries to the series’ production company, Endemol Shine Australia.
The probe comes after a BBC News investigation earlier this year exposed that cast members had not been informed their partners had prior drug offenses or history of violence, prompting a warning from Australia’s media watchdog.
Similar safety questions have surrounded the UK version of the show, which saw two female contestants accuse on‑screen partners of rape in a Panorama report; the broadcaster has already pulled all UK episodes while an Ofcom investigation is underway.
A spokesperson for the New South Wales Police stated that officers began the inquiry on 24 August following a report of inappropriate content, and the matter will be referred to the Western Australia Police Force for further review.
Endemol Shine Australia has so far declined to comment, while former participants have urged the network to improve background checks and ensure informed consent throughout the production process.
With the show remaining popular across Australia and the UK, the ongoing scrutiny underscores the broader industry debate over contestant welfare and the ethical obligations of reality‑TV producers.
