Edemol Shine Australia (ESA) has been issued with three SafeWork NSW improvement notices after participants in its Married At First Sight show and a viewer at home alerted the workplace health and safety regulator last year.
A spokesperson for SafeWork NSW told B&T “the improvement notices were related to reporting of notifiable incidents, systems of work to manage for physical and psychological hazards and work health and safety training”.
The Sydney Morning Herald, which is owned by MAFS broadcaster Nine, revealed details of the allegations made against grooms and crew to SafeWork NSW after it obtained documents under freedom of information laws.
The documents outline allegations of “violence and aggression by producers and grooms on the show including non-consensual touching by a groom”.
SafeWork NSW first got involved after a viewer alerted it to a groom punching a hole in a wall. Three participants would then follow suit with allegations against fellow participants and crew.
In one incident revealed in the documents obtained by SMH, one bride alleged cameras captured her while she was showering without her consent or knowledge. Contestants also complained about a lack of basic privacy, alleging production staff could enter apartments at any time using their own keys and that participants were expected to keep microphones on even when using the bathroom.
Several cast members claimed they were pressured not to leave the experiment, with some alleging they were intimidated when asking to stop filming because they were unwell. One participant alleged crew members physically stood in the way of exits to stop cast from walking out.
The complaints also extended to the show’s filming conditions, with allegations of punishing production schedules that allowed as little as six hours between shoots.
Participants also claimed they were kept under strict curfews, discouraged from speaking with other cast members off-camera and pushed by producers into emotional confrontations through what some described as “baiting” and harassment tactics.
B&T is not suggesting the allegations are true.
In a statement sent to B&T, a Nine Entertainment spokesperson said: “Nine and Endemol Shine take their obligations in respect to the health, wellbeing and safety of the participants of MAFS Australia extremely seriously.
“When it comes to the health, wellbeing and safety of participants our approach is not a ‘set and forget’. We are continually looking at ways we can improve our process and support. At the end of each season we review and make adjustments where needed.
“We’ve co-operated with SafeWork NSW’s enquiries to Nine and will continue to do so as required.
“All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended. Nine also provides an additional service for participants should they like or need further individual and confidential psychological support. This service gives participants access to clinicians to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants for as long as they need it, with no end date.”
SafeWork is continuing to investigate psychosocial concerns at MAFS, due to a Request for Service (RFS) made in early 2026 in light of the suicide death of season one male contestant Lachie Rofe. His death occurred outside of production and there is no suggestion his death was connected to the show.
“Since 2025, SafeWork NSW has received five requests for service raising an alleged work health and safety issue related to the television program Married at First Sight Australia. These requests for service are now closed,” said a spokesperson for SafeWork NSW.
“SafeWork NSW is continuing to monitor compliance, and the Commissioner will shortly be meeting with the show’s executives.”
B&T contacted Endemol Shine for comment on the story.
Last week Married at First Sight UK, faced scrutiny after two of the brides claimed they were raped during filming and a third described an allegation of a non-consensual sex act.
9Now pulled those episodes as a result.
It is important to note that the UK version is not produced by Endemol Shine rather CPL Productions.
