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A male contestant filed a complaint alleging that producers shared private material from an ex-girlfriend with his on-screen bride without his consent during production of the upcoming season, according to reports in the Sydney Morning Herald and TV Blackbox. The claims centre on events at a Zetland apartment complex where police attended on August 24, interviewed production staff and seized mobile phones as part of their inquiries. Television commentator Robert McKnight first detailed the alleged ambush for TV Blackbox, reporting that the participant had rejected settlement offers from the production and that the investigation remained active.
New South Wales Police stated that officers from South Sydney Police Area Command opened the case following a report of inappropriate content being shared on August 24. The force added that following initial inquiries the matter would be referred to Western Australia Police Force for further handling. Western Australia authorities told news.com.au that they had not yet received the file as of October 22.
Channel Nine, the broadcaster of the long-running series, said it was aware of the police investigation involving production company Endemol Shine Australia and directed all questions to that entity. Endemol Shine Australia has been contacted for comment but has not issued a public statement on the matter. The incident occurred while filming was underway for the show’s 14th season, which is scheduled to air in 2027.
The latest development adds to previous scrutiny of the program, after a BBC News investigation published in June 2026 found that several cast members had not been informed their partners held prior convictions for drug offences or violence. The Australian Communications and Media Authority described those findings as serious and disturbing at the time. Channel Nine and Endemol Shine Australia responded then by stating that all participants undergo structured background checks including police and criminal history reviews in their countries of residence.
The series faced a SafeWork NSW investigation last year following on-set incidents including one in which a contestant punched a wall, according to reporting by news.com.au. That earlier event also triggered a separate police inquiry. Multiple outlets including the Daily Mail have since linked the current allegations to potential breaches of New South Wales revenge porn laws that ban non-consensual distribution of intimate material.
No criminal charges have been laid and the investigation continues, with Western Australia Police still awaiting the formal transfer of the file. The show has drawn large audiences in Australia and internationally despite recurring questions over participant welfare and production standards. Industry publication TV Blackbox reported that legal representatives were present during police interviews with production staff.
