Should Married at First Sight be taken off air?
6/8/202620 min
Allegations of rape and sexual assault on the UK’s Married at First Sight have brought a fresh focus on the Australian version. Former Mafs contestants and political figures, such as Tanya Plibersek, have spoken out calling for a broader reckoning around the show. Reged Ahmad speaks with reporter Caitlin Cassidy about safety concerns on set and whether the show still has a place on our screens
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Transcript preview
First 90 secondsReged Ahmad· Host0:00
[gentle music] This is The Guardian. Reged Ahmed here on Gadigal land with the full story.
Caitlin Cassidy· Guest0:09
[upbeat music] I'm really, really sorry, but I think I can marry you.
Reged Ahmad· Host0:21
Reality TV show Married at First Sight, where couples meet for the first time at the altar, is watched by millions of people across the country.
Caitlin Cassidy· Guest0:33
Not until you get on one knee and propose to me first.
Reged Ahmad· Host0:36
[laughing] But allegations of rape and sexual assault in the UK's franchise, which the men deny, has brought a fresh focus on the show in Australia.
Speaker 3· Soundbite0:50
She's definitely not the submissive type, that's for sure. You're saying, "I wanna be with someone who will lie down, give up their rights, not try to have their needs met, who will make the relationship all about you- Mm-hmm ... and your needs."
Reged Ahmad· Host1:08
Now, former cast members in Australia, and even Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek, are warning a broader reckoning is needed around how the show may be mainstreaming dangerous stereotypes.
Speaker 4· Soundbite1:24
The fact that this is being mainstreamed on a really popular show is really disappointing.