In a dramatic turn of events following their appearance on Married At First Sight, groom Ryan Donnelly has voiced concerns for his safety after his former wife, Jacqui Burfoot, made damaging claims about him online. The couple, who were matched in the latest season of the popular Australian reality series, chose to part ways amid a heated final vows ceremony filled with insults.
Their disputes have escalated to a legal battle, with Burfoot securing an interim restraining order in Tasmania that prevents Donnelly from discussing her on social media. In response, Donnelly has filed for an apprehended domestic violence order against Burfoot, which was presented in Sydney’s Campbelltown Local Court. He has described his experience as ‘harmful’, stating that he received threatening messages due to what he called Burfoot’s ‘malicious’ allegations against him.
Donnelly expressed that he felt his personal and professional life had been endangered by Burfoot’s actions. "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 conveyed to reporters outside the court. He shared that he had felt a significant amount of fear during this ordeal.
The 37-year-old is seeking a restraining order that would inhibit Burfoot from posting any content about him or his associates on social media for two years. Additionally, it would prohibit her from any form of harassment, including assault or intimidation, and even from harming his dog. If granted, this order would restrict Burfoot’s ability to contact Donnelly, except through legal channels.
Burfoot, who is currently living in Tasmania with another MAFS contestant, failed to appear in court, opting instead to submit an email opposing the restraining order. The presiding Magistrate, Shane McAnulty, declined to grant the order without her presence and scheduled a follow-up hearing for June 24.
Donnelly has conveyed his desire to move forward but emphasised the need for protection, stating, "Justice should be served." He believes that the court proceedings have been a necessary step, indicating that he has a strong case for defamation against Burfoot.
As the situation continues to unfold, Donnelly remains non-committal about his future social media presence, acknowledging the impact of the MAFS series while addressing the challenges it has brought. Meanwhile, Burfoot has engaged with another MAFS groom, Clint Rice, who recently proposed to her during the show’s finale viewing party, highlighting the ongoing complexities arising from their tumultuous reality TV experience.