New South Wales police launched an investigation into the reality show Married at First Sight Australia on 24 August 2026. Officers from the South Sydney Police Area Command began the inquiry after receiving a report regarding the sharing of inappropriate content.
The New South Wales Police Force will transfer the case to the WA Police Force, though the latter confirmed it has not yet received the referral. Channel Nine confirmed it is aware of the police investigation involving the production company, Endemol Shine Australia.
A spokesperson for Nine said, "We are aware of a police investigation involving Endemol Shine Australia and all enquiries should be directed to them." A male cast member on the current series of the Australian show filed a formal complaint with the police.
Producers allegedly shared private information about this male participant with his on-screen bride. A BBC News investigation previously revealed that cast members were not informed that their partners had prior convictions for violence and drugs.
Australia's media watchdog described these revelations as "serious and disturbing." Nine former cast members of the Australian version of the show called for improved background checks in June.
Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia maintained they have "strong protocols in place to ensure participant safety and wellbeing." Lawyers for CPL claimed the company's welfare system is "gold standard" and industry-leading.
One woman from last year's Australian series said, "There should be informed consent." A cast member from the UK series was arrested on suspicion of rape in July.
Ofcom launched an official investigation into the UK production, while Channel 4 commissioned a review into contributor welfare. Channel 4 removed all UK episodes from its streaming service in May and intends to publish only "a summary of findings" from the welfare review.
Audience figures for the UK show frequently exceed 3,000,000.
