The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has received complaints about ‘disturbing scenes on Married At First Sight‘.
Confidential reports that the issue is around “concerns about classification to the welfare of contestants”.
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“Under the co-regulatory system, the ACMA will refer complainants to the broadcaster in the first instance,” a spokesperson revealed.
“If the complainant does not receive a response from the broadcaster within 60 days, or is not satisfied with the response, they may refer their complaint to the ACMA.
“Married At First Sight is a classified program. Some complaints have been about whether the program had been accurately classified. The ACMA has also received complaints expressing concern for the welfare of the contestants on the program.”
This season’s episodes of the hit reality-TV show were classified under either Parental Guidance (PG) and Mature (M).
There were several reports that claim contestant Poppy Jennings explored legal advice after a highly confidential storyline with her on-screen ‘husband’ Luke Eglin.
“[Viewers thought] that I missed my kids when really I just couldn’t say what was actually going on, so I had to kind of mask it with that,” she said at the time. “You try and speak up about something but there’s just no point.”
Another storyline that made national headlines include David Cannon using “wife” Hayley Vernon’s toothbrush to clean poop from a toilet bowl.
According to Confidential there were concerns about the mental health of contestants after star Natasha Spencer was rushed to hospital.
Spencer later revealed she was rushed to hospital after suffering a breakdown.
Complaints about the welfare of contestants come after Jennings’ co-star Natasha Spencer was rushed to hospital ahead of last week’s final reunion episode due to self-harm concerns.
Speaking to Confidential, the finance analyst said she was taken to The Royal North Shore Hospital ahead of the show’s finale, admitting viscious Instagram trolls pushed her over the edge.
“My neighbours called because they were worried I was going to harm myself. I was taken in an ambulance and I was released within a couple of hours,” she said. “If I left without doctor’s approval I would have been taken into police custody. I’m out now and taking some time to myself.”
The news comes after NSW Police were reportedly set to warn Channel 9, Endemol Shine and celebrity agents that they don’t have time to play into storylines on MAFS.
An anonymous police officer told The Sunday Telegraph earlier this month that some of the stars from the hit reality-TV show file police reports at the station knowing they have the paparazzi waiting outside.
“I’m going to go to Channel 9 myself before the next series airs to say this is something you need to warn all the contestants about,” the officer told the publication.
“It has happened a lot this year. We take all police reports seriously, but what’s happening with MAFS contestants is a gee-up. We are in the midst of 24/7 dramas.”
This article was originally published on WHO
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