MAFS Australia hit with Ofcom complaints as fans slam ‘disgusting’ scenes

Two participants ended up in tears following the incident

A recent instalment of the programme Married At First Sight Australia has been met with over 100 Ofcom complaints, making it one of the most contentious episodes of the series.

The dramatic scenes were broadcast last week and sparked a flurry of debate among fans. UK viewers are currently enjoying the latest edition of the unique dating show from down under, where couples meet for the very first time at the altar and develop their relationship from there. The outcomes so far are largely varied to say the least.

Over the past few weeks we’ve seen more than a dozen couples tie the knot as soon as they encounter each other. One episode that aired last week was already anticipated to be an emotional viewing.

This was due to the preview confirming that the late Mel Schilling would be making one of her final appearances prior to her tragic death. She was observed saying “some relationships may be destroyed after tonight”.

However, it has since been confirmed that the show has been met with complaints following its broadcast. Ofcom received 110 complaints after scenes from the second dinner party of the season were aired on Thursday, 26th March, reports OK!.

The complaints are believed to be related to alleged exploitative treatment of two contestants. Prior to the episode being aired, E4 even issued a double warning before it began as viewers were informed: “This episode was filmed before the sad passing of Mel Schilling and it contains scenes of heated confrontation.”

It all began after Brook’s dramatic comeback following her decision to abandon husband Chris. Despite leaving her spouse behind, she returned for the dinner party telling producers she had ‘unfinished business’, though giving Chris another opportunity wasn’t why she rejoined the experiment.

She swiftly set her sights on other participants. At one stage, Brook declared to Stella: “I don’t think you’re deep, I think you’re f***ing dumb.”

Disability worker Gia and model Brook ultimately spent the entire dinner party targeting two other brides, Stella and Alissa. Gia and Brook commanded her to “go back in your kennel, babes,” and yelled for her to remove her “stripper boots off”.

The footage and conduct from Brook deteriorated further, leaving viewers at home struggling to continue watching. One person sharing their immediate response on the MAFS subreddit confessed: “This is hard to watch..”

Another responded: “Gia telling her to get back into her kennel? That’s Vile.” With someone else adding: “This is disgusting.” One person declared: “This is quite sickening.”

As Brook and Gia persisted in ridiculing others, including mocking their physical appearances, audiences took to social media with one posting: “Brook is one nasty piece of work.”

And another simply admitted: “I’m actually speechless.” It was disclosed that this wasn’t the most damaging aspect, as companion programme After the Dinner Party aired even more footage that hadn’t been featured in the original episode. Appearing as guests, Alyssa and Stella became tearful as they witnessed Brook choose to single them out.

Following the episode’s broadcast, Brook and Gia have both published extensive statements on social media, addressing their behaviour. In part of her post, Brook said: “Bullying should never be condoned and I am extremely embarrassed by the way that I acted.”

Married At First Sight Australia airs Monday – Thursday at 7.30pm on E4 and streaming on Channel 4.