ACMA Calls MAFS Australia Conviction Claims Disturbing as Channel 4 Pulls UK Episodes
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
ACMA Calls MAFS Australia Conviction Claims Disturbing as Channel 4 Pulls UK Episodes
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 15
Summary
ACMA said allegations that MAFS Australia participants were not told about partners' past drug and violence convictions are "serious and disturbing," after a BBC investigation raised the claims.
Nine former cast members told the BBC the show should tighten background checks and stop casting people with previous convictions, while Ofcom called the latest allegations "deeply concerning."
Channel 9 and Endemol Shine Australia said they have a multi-stage vetting process, including police and criminal-history checks, psychological assessments, medical screening and legal due diligence.
Channel 4, which airs the show in Britain but says it has no editorial control over the Australian version, has removed all MAFS UK episodes from All 4 and is awaiting an external welfare review later this summer.
The dispute widens scrutiny of the MAFS franchise after rape allegations in the UK version, while ACMA said participant treatment falls largely outside its current broadcast-code remit.