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.
Pictured: Jacqui and RyanGEOFF MAGEE PHOTOGRAPHY
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.
