The Australian reality television programme Married at First Sight is facing renewed scrutiny after police launched an investigation into a complaint involving the show’s production company.
New South Wales Police confirmed that officers began investigating on August 24, 2026, following a report of “inappropriate content being shared”. After making inquiries, the matter was referred to Western Australia Police for further attention.
Channel Nine, which broadcasts the programme, acknowledged the investigation and directed further questions to Endemol Shine Australia, the production company behind the show. The producer had not publicly responded to the latest allegations at the time of reporting.
Australian media reports indicate that the complaint was lodged by a male contestant who alleged that producers shared private information about him with his on-screen partner. The specific nature of the material has not been officially confirmed by police, and the allegations remain under investigation.
The latest development adds to concerns surrounding the programme’s treatment of participants. Earlier this year, a BBC investigation reported that some former contestants said they had not been informed that their matched partners had previous drug or violence convictions. Australia’s media regulator described the issues raised as “serious and disturbing”.
The British version of Married at First Sight has also faced scrutiny following a BBC Panorama investigation in May that reported rape allegations made by two female participants. The men involved have denied the allegations. The UK and Australian editions are produced by separate companies.
The franchise follows single people who agree to participate in staged wedding ceremonies with strangers selected by relationship experts. Although the marriages are not legally binding, couples are filmed during honeymoons and while living together.
