In the latest season of Married at First Sight Australia, viewers witnessed the pairing of Jacqui Burfoot and Ryan Donnelly – a match that, from the outset, seemed fraught with tension. Their on-screen relationship culminated in the dramatic final vows ceremony.
At the ceremony, MAFS Australia's Jaqui told Ryan that she wasn't a “rehabilitation centre”, and told him In a world of red flags, you are the red carpet.” Ryan retorted by calling her a “high-maintenance nightmare”, and as she walked away, said “Be gone with you, you horrible woman.” All. Very. Tense.
However, the breakdown of their relationship did not end with the show's conclusion; instead, it spilled over into real life, leading to a series of legal confrontations and serious allegations. What many have viewed as reality TV entertainment, has turned dark off-camera.
MAFS Australia's Jacqui and Ryan's legal battle so far:
Jacqui has made allegations against Ryan including accusing him of being 'physically threatening and intimidating' and revenge porn. They've both filed retraining orders against each other.
Jacqui was granted an interim restraining order against Ryan, after alleging that he had shared private and sensitive content without her consent — a claim that Ryan has denied. In response, Ryan filed for an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) against Jacqui, asserting that she had made “vicious” and “malicious” claims about him on social media, which he claimed were attempts to “destroy” his life. “An individual has tried to destroy my life, my potential for career options, collaborations … with false allegations, so men can be victims as well,” he said outside the courthouse.
Ryan's application for the ADVO sought to prevent Jacqui from posting about him or his associates online for a period of two years. He appeared in court on April 23rd to support his request. Jacqui, however, did not attend the hearing in person but submitted her opposition via email, stating that the application was based on false statements and constituted a waste of court resources.
Following this, the magistrate Shane McAnulty said he was unwilling to grant the order in Jacqui’s absence, and asked the parties to prepare submissions before returning to court on June 24.
The dispute between Jacqui and Ryan has been amplified by their use of social media platforms to air grievances and rally support. Jacqui took to Instagram and TikTok to refute Ryan's claims, asserting that their relationship lasted only three months, not nine, and therefore did not meet the criteria for a domestic relationship under the law. She accused Ryan of lying in his application and suggested that his actions were retaliatory.
As the season nears its end, we've got all the goss.
Amid the ongoing legal proceedings, Jacqui has found new love with fellow MAFS participant Clint Rice. The couple, who began their relationship after filming concluded, have since become engaged and are planning to marry between January and March of next year . They have relocated to Tasmania, where they are building a life together away from the public eye.
As the legal proceedings continue, with the next court date set for June, both Jacqui and Ryan remain entangled in a dispute that has transcended the boundaries of reality TV.
Refuge’s National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247, available 24 hours a day 7 days a week for free, confidential specialist support. Or visit www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk to fill in a webform and request a safe time to be contacted or to access live chat (live chat available 3pm-10pm, Monday to Friday). For support with tech abuse visit refugetechsafety.org.
Revenge Porn Helpline provides advice, guidance and support to victims of intimate image-based abuse over the age of 18 who live in the UK. You can call them on 0345 6000 459.
