Former MAFs star Katie Johnston has made an emotional announcement that has been years in the making.

Former MAFs star Katie Johnston has made an emotional announcement to her former staff, saying she has paid back every cent of the $150,000 in unpaid super annuation.

The 37-year-old who had a hard time on the reality show after her husband said he wasn’t attracted to her because he prefers “petite” women, confirmed the impact of Covid had caused her financial difficulties but proudly announced she had worked hard over the last 12 months to make sure no one was out of pocket.

Johnston described herself as the CEO of a “social enterprise” group of restaurants that splits profits with those who are doing it tough.

The company that owned two restaurants, Wild The Lifestyle Co Pty, which was directed by Johnston, went into liquidation in 2023 owing more than $400,000 including over $150,000 in unpaid superannuation.

MAFs star Katie Johnston has paid back every cent of the $150,000 in unpaid super annuation. Picture: Instagram/supplied
On Wednesday evening Johnston said in a video “I just want to say a massive thanks to the staff for riding that horrible wave with me”.

“I know some of you were really upset and that we had to all go through that.

But you have not missed out on anything. I am really sorry that I had to make really hard decisions but thankyou for those who were patient with me. and really understanding.

“It made this last year a lot more manageable and I am insanely grateful for your grace and patience and understanding.”

For those that “pushed and didn’t believe in me and gave me a hard time that’s totally fine I understand that completely”.

Johnston said she understood people may fear the worst and be part of a “horror story” but that’s “not so thankyou so much”.

The video was filmed in the office of her accountant “the lovely Renee” from In Depth Accounting.

She said Renee “held my hand” the entire way through the process.

As Johnston pressed the confirm button on what she said was the final payment, she burst into tears after saying “I hope I don’t cry that would be awkward. I’m going to cry”.