Former Married At First Sight Australia star Tahnee Cook has opened up about her experience on the controversial reality series, revealing that she reached a "breaking point" after allegedly being pressured into participating in a bizarre challenge during filming. Speaking to ABC's 7.30 program, Cook, who appeared on the 2023 season, weighed in on the shocking allegations of rape on the UK version of the show, explaining that she was not surprised when she first heard about the scandal.
Allegations on MAFS UK
Two women have accused their MAFS "husbands" of sexual assault on the BBC's Panorama program — allegations that have been denied by the men — while a third woman accused her partner of sexual misconduct, an accusation he has also denied. As a result, all episodes of the UK season have been pulled from broadcast, and the scandal has rocked the popular franchise worldwide.
"I can see exactly how the situation can, I guess, set up something like that," Cook, 27, said. The media personality, who was paired with Ollie Skelton on the show, claimed that she felt "pressure" to be intimate with her husband when cameras were rolling.
"Given the nature of the show, you do feel the pressure to … progress quite quickly in the relationship, whether that is intimacy, whether that is connecting with that person," she said.
Intimacy Week and Tantric Workshop
Three weeks after their mock nuptials, producers told Cook and Skelton they would be taking part in "Intimacy Week," which included an "awful" workshop. "We had to do this awful Tantric sex workshop, which thankfully never got aired … but it was these weird breathing exercises," Cook said. "I had to lie on the floor, and my husband was putting the feather around me in front of the instructors, the production [crew]. I hated it. It was really uncomfortable."
She was also left mortified by a "gift" of various sex toys from the experts. "Everyone had costumes and it just was a bit … that is not what I think is intimacy and what … I would want in terms of growing in a relationship. So I remember I was like, 'I don’t want to show this on camera. That’s embarrassing.'"
Couple Swap Challenge
Cook alleged that she almost hit "breaking point" when the crew pressured her to take part in a partner swap challenge, during which she would stay with another husband. "This was the first time they did this challenge and the last time I think they did the couple swap," she said. "We had to go stay with another husband for three nights, which was something I did not want to do. I actually thought my reaction on camera was like, 'Surely not. This is absolutely a piss take.'"
While Cook made clear her overall experience was positive compared to other participants and did not suggest anything untoward by Skelton, she told 7.30 that the pressure put on them to be intimate can be problematic. "I think it sits with the format of the show. I think that just needs to be reviewed a little bit more," she said.
Nine's Response
When contacted by news.com.au for comment, a Nine spokesperson said that both the broadcaster and Endemol Shine Australia "take their obligations in respect of the health, wellbeing and safety of participants extremely seriously." The statement added: "No participants are expected to do anything they are not comfortable with, and they retain the right to make their own choices at every stage. All participants have access to psychological support and welfare resources during and after filming and broadcast of the program, for as long as it is needed.
"Intimacy Week is one of several themed weeks across the series, and like every task on the program, it is entirely voluntary. Sometimes participants choose not to take part in certain tasks, which is reflected on screen. Intimacy Week is designed to help couples explore their genuine feelings around emotional connection, trust, romance and physical closeness, just as any couple would when navigating a new relationship. Intimacy Week tasks can be as simple as looking into your partner’s eyes, a hug or planning a date night. Whether or not a couple’s relationship already includes sexual intimacy, or if they agree that they wish to introduce it, this is for them not the production to decide. During Intimacy Week couples are supported at every step, on and off camera, and not only when support is asked for."
MAFS Franchise Background
A BBC Panorama investigation aired last month with allegations that two women had been raped during filming of the reality TV series, which is aired on UK broadcaster Channel 4. A third woman alleged that she was the victim of a non-consensual sex act. The three women also claimed that the show did not do enough to protect them. The MAFS franchise first launched in Denmark in 2013 and has become a phenomenon, with over 35 localised versions produced around the world, including the hugely popular Australian edition. The format, billed as a "bold social experiment," sees single people agree to "marry" total strangers after first meeting at faux weddings. While the vows may not be legally binding, cameras follow the "newlyweds" as they go on "honeymoon" and then move in together while being counselled through the early stages of the relationship.
