NSW Police attended a set of the reality show Married at First Sight in Sydney on August 24 after a report of inappropriate content being shared. In a statement to this masthead, police said officers from the South Sydney Police Area Command commenced an investigation and, following inquiries, the matter will be referred to WA Police Force.
Nine, the broadcaster of the show and owner of this masthead, issued a statement confirming the police investigation and referred questions to EndemolShine Australia, which produces the series. EndemolShine has been contacted for comment.
According to the online publication TV Blackbox, a male contestant filed the report after producers allegedly obtained private information about him and shared it with his on-screen bride. TV Blackbox also reported that police conducted interviews and seized phones during their visit.
The investigation follows earlier concerns about the show. Last year, Married at First Sight was issued three improvement notices by SafeWork NSW after allegations of an unsafe working environment. In May, this masthead revealed that former participants alleged a pattern of unsafe behaviour, including a bride being filmed in the shower without her knowledge, non-consensual touching by a groom, and production staff blocking exits to prevent cast members from leaving the set.
Controversy has also surrounded other versions of the show. Earlier this year, Nine and the UK's Channel 4 pulled all UK episodes from streaming after two former cast members alleged they were raped by their on-screen husbands during filming, as reported in a BBC investigation.