A MARRIED At First Sight Australia groom has broken his silence after the show found itself at the centre of a police probe when reality star Paul Antonine punched a hole in a door following a row with his TV bride.
The controversial Aussie version of the reality show, which returns to UK screens on Monday night, has come under fire as participant Paul hit the roof when his spouse Carina Mirabile admitted she had previously slept with a huge US rapper.
In scenes that aired down under this week, the 31 year old groom displayed a concerning reaction when a day out turned dark.
On their way home from a double date with another couple of the romantic show, Carina turned the radio on in the Uber, when a song came on by US rapper Quavo.
Carina explained in her to-camera interview with producers: “I put on a song and I said a comment that I’d slept with this rapper and I didn’t think it was awkward.
“Paul and I have spoken about our pasts so I didn’t think there was an issue at all.”
But when they returned to their apartment, Paul’s mood soured.
“I was cuddling him and he was like, “I just need space,”‘ Carina said of the outburst, which was not caught on camera.
“He obviously didn’t like that. I turned around and went to bed and that’s when he got really angry and he punched a wall.”
Paul was later seen crying as he apologised to his wife for his actions.
“I just completely lost my nerves,” he said. “She couldn’t give me my space and I just absolutely lost it.
Speaking about the incident, Paul continued: “I lost control and I punched a hole in the bedroom door. It’s just not the right thing to do. It’s unacceptable, it’s disgusting. I’m still hating myself for doing this.”
And now New South Wales police, who cover the Sydney area where the show is filmed, confirmed they have launched an investigation into the matter.
“The matter has been referred to officers from South Sydney Police Area Command, who have commenced an investigation,” a police spokesperson told Sky News Australia.
“As the investigation is current, police will not be making any further comment in relation to the matter”.
Daily Mail Australia have also reported that Aussie network Channel Nine, who air the show, have been locked in crisis talks since the episode aired.
Carina told Paul that she previously slept with US rapper Quavo[/caption]
Paul is one of the grooms featured in the new series of MAFS Australia, which begins here on E4 on Monday[/caption]
Carina on her wedding day to Paul[/caption]
While the scenes were only broadcast this week, however, they were filmed late last year.
A statement from Nine said, “Our first priority at all times has been the wellbeing and safety of the participants and after extensive consultation with Carina, she wanted to remain in the experiment with Paul. We continue to provide support for Carina and Paul.
“Nine and Endemol Shine take their obligations in respect to the health and wellbeing of the participants of this program extremely seriously. All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast and once the program has ended.
“Nine also have an additional service for participants should they like or need further individual and confidential psychological support.
“This service gives participants access to clinicians to support those involved in the program in relation to their experiences. This service is available to all participants for as long as they need it, it does not end.”
This isn’t the first time MAFS Australia has courted controversy in its native country this series.
The show’s producers are facing pressure to review the measures they take to protect female stars on the show.
It comes after another bride on the new series, Awhina Rutene, learned her show partner Adrian Araouzou had faced domestic violence charges in the past.
Adrian faced three charges – assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic violence common assault and resisting police – but he was found not guilty on all counts.
All three charges were dismissed in a court in November 2021.
The new series of Married At First Sight Australia begins at 9pm on Monday March 3 on E4 and streams on Channel 4.
Fellow bride Awhina makes a shocking discovery about her groom[/caption]
Adrian Araouzou faced three domestic violence charges but all were dismissed[/caption]
