A former contestant from Married at First Sight, Jacqui Burfoot, is currently grappling with whether to contest protective orders sought by her ex-husband from the show, Ryan Donnelly. Donnelly claims he is the target of an "online crusade" stemming from comments made by Burfoot about him.
Burfoot and Donnelly, who were matched in the latest season of the popular Australian reality show, decided to end their marriage during a tumultuous final vows ceremony filled with insults. Following their split, Burfoot was awarded an interim restraining order in Tasmania that restricts Donnelly from discussing her on social media.
Donnelly has since filed for an apprehended domestic violence order against Burfoot. His case was presented at Campbelltown Local Court in Sydney, where it was postponed for a month to allow Burfoot an opportunity to respond. Accompanied by a bodyguard, Burfoot refrained from commenting on the allegations as she exited the court, with her barrister stating that speaking out could be detrimental to her case.
During the proceedings, a fan of the show confronted Burfoot, reflecting the intense public interest surrounding the couple’s fallout. Donnelly expressed to reporters the emotional toll of the situation, claiming that his former spouse had posted about him "nearly constantly," contributing to his distress.
Donnelly’s legal representative reiterated their need for protection, indicating they would consult with Burfoot’s lawyers for a possible resolution. He expressed disbelief over how their relationship devolved, stating, “It wasn’t the adventure I had planned,” and lamenting the loss of what he envisioned as a harmonious chapter in his life.
Donnelly has requested a two-year restraining order, which would prevent Burfoot from posting anything related to him or his acquaintances on social media, in addition to banning her from any form of harassment. Meanwhile, Burfoot is now engaged to her former cast-mate, Clint Rice, who proposed during a viewing party for the show’s finale and was present in court with her.
The matter is scheduled to return to court on July 29. Married at First Sight is a production of Nine Entertainment Co., the parent company of the platform featuring this content.