Married At First Sight has been cleared of wrongdoing after dozens of viewers complained about the show’s shocking portrayal of domestic violence earlier this year.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed it received around 50 complaints about the 2025 season.
These included two formal investigations after explosive scenes aired in February and March, showing controversial groom Paul Antoine admitting to punching a hole in his bedroom door.
One viewer claimed the programme breached its M classification, saying it contained ‘acts of domestic violence, and discussions of these adult themes at an inappropriate time’.
In one clip, Paul confessed: ‘I lost control and I punched a hole in the bedroom door. It’s just not the right thing to do. It’s unacceptable, it’s disgusting. I’m still hating myself for doing this.’
But Nine insisted the broadcast did not show any actual violence, arguing the material fell within the M rating and was clearly flagged with multiple warnings to viewers.
Married At First Sight has been cleared of wrongdoing after dozens of viewers complained about the show’s shocking portrayal of domestic violence earlier this year
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) confirmed it received around 50 complaints about the 2025 season
‘Participants and experts were shown discussing and condemning the behaviour, reflecting community expectations,’ Nine said, adding the network aired additional consumer guidance informing audiences the episode contained ‘adult themes and confronting issues’.
ACMA agreed, ruling that while the incident was ‘sensationalised’ with dramatic editing and music, it was handled ‘with appropriate care’ and the violent act itself was never shown on screen.
‘The content included about domestic conflict and Participant B’s violent behaviour was handled with care,’ ACMA said.
‘Footage of Participant B hitting the wall was not included in the programme.’
The watchdog found the incident was ‘moderate in impact’ and ‘could be accommodated within the M classification’.
NSW Police had also launched their own investigation into the saga, but in July confirmed no further action would be taken.
The ruling comes after Daily Mail first revealed Paul, 31, punched a hole in the wall of the Sydney apartment he shared with bride Carina Mirabile during a heated argument.
The meltdown – triggered after Carina admitted to sleeping with rapper Quavo years earlier – sparked immediate backlash, with furious fans demanding Paul be booted from the show.
The ruling comes after Daily Mail first revealed Paul, 31, punched a hole in the wall of the Sydney apartment he shared with bride Carina Mirabile during a heated argument
The scandal later escalated when SafeWork NSW confirmed it was also looking into the incident, while police were understood to be monitoring the series.
Channel Nine told Daily Mail at the time that it took the matter ‘extremely seriously’, with producers holding urgent talks with Carina about whether she wanted to continue with the experiment.
She ultimately chose to stay, with Nine insisting the couple were given ongoing support.
The scenes caused uproar on social media, with fans divided over whether the groom should be removed.
Some argued emotional abuse from other participants was not being scrutinised with the same seriousness, calling for other grooms – including Adrian Araouzou – to face consequences.
During a tense commitment ceremony, relationship experts Alessandra Rampolla, John Aiken and Mel Schilling grilled Paul, branding his actions ‘toxic, inappropriate and unacceptable’.
Rampolla warned him: ‘You do not punch walls. You do not punch floors. Period. Full stop. That intimidates.’
Married At First Sight will return to screens on Channel Nine in 2026.
News
BREAKING NEWS: Angel Reese Could Face WNBA Suspension Following Intense Sky vs. Sun Clash — Cameras Captured the Rising Star Striking Her Opponent in the Face, Leaving Fans Stunned, Commentators Silent, and League Officials Rushing to Determine the Next Steps.
Angel Reese Faces Possible WNBA Suspension After Dramatic Sky vs. Sun Incident The Night That Changed Everything On a humid…
He walked away from fame: How a MAFS favourite became a reclusive farmer before his sudden death at 47
Married At First Sight star Lachlan Rofe enjoyed a quiet life away from the spotlight in the years before his…
“WE’RE ALWAYS PUSHED TO THE BACK — WHILE SHE GETS THE SPOTLIGHT.” Angel Reese Speaks Out on Caitlin Clark Favoritism
WE’RE ALWAYS PUSHED TO THE BACK — WHILE SHE GETS THE SPOTLIGHT Angel Reese’s Seven Minutes That Shook the WNBA…
Baby No. 2 on the way! MAFS’ Susie Bradley and Todd Carney share adorable announcement
Former reality star Susie Pearl has announced she is expecting her second child with ex-NRL player Todd Carney. The Married…
Reality TV mourns: Married At First Sight and Farmer Wants A Wife star dies at 47, tributes flow
Married At First Sight star Lachlan Rofe has died suddenly, leaving friends and family in shock. He was 47. Rofe…
Unseen footage bombshell: Kristy says producers told her to drop a “key point” — here’s what it was
EXCLUSIVE: Kristy Beames shares the real reason why she appeared in Wednesday night’s episode. The Block’s Kristy Beames has opened…
End of content
No more pages to load