Married at First Sight Australia fans confessed they were left feeling “so uncomfortable” following a groom’s “nasty” confession during Thursday’s (March 13) episode.
The 12th series of the popular reality TV marriage experiment started broadcasting on E4 last week, and has been filled with contentious moments and startling admissions.
This evening’s instalment carried on with Confessions Week, seeing pairs engage in various activities aiming for deeper mutual understanding. In the midst of several photo ranking challenges, it soon came Ashleigh and Jake’s turn.
On their wedding day, the couple connected instantly and had an idyllic honeymoon without drama. Yet, the atmosphere changed in tonight’s episode when Jake uttered numerous startling remarks while judging the other brides, reports OK!
“I’ll just try to be as honest and truthful as possible here,” he commenced, before placing Jacqui at the bottom because of her “crazy eyes”.
“Sierah… she’s got this sort of intimidating look to her, like her face screams, ‘I could stab you in your sleep’,” he elaborated.
In an especially shocking moment Jake remarked about Awhina: “Not gonna sound like… not racist or nothing, but I do prefer Caucasian people mainly, mostly.”
Following that, he said that Rhi “might have a lazy eye” and rated Carina highest because she is “conventionally pretty”, adding: “But she knows it, let’s be real.”
To intensify the discomfort further, Jake ranked his own bride Ashleigh mid-tier among the group, rendering her utterly lost for words.
“How dare you say these unhinged things about these gorgeous women? It can be honest without being hurtful and nasty,” retorted Ashleigh in a heated exchange, before Jake defended himself, asserting that it was “just a joke”.
“That really p***ed me off. I’m not a naturally vicious person and you’re making it out to me like I am. I don’t need that s***,” Jake continued, notably agitated, before departing the scene abruptly.
MAFS viewers were equally taken aback by the comments, with many immediately turning to X (formerly known as Twitter) to voice their discontent.
“What harsh words, Jake. That was nasty, not a joke at all,” commented one viewer, while another vehemently remarked: “That was foul.”
“Jake is a teacher as well. Displaying a shocking lack of emotional intelligence. And I hate people who say messed up things then call it banter or a joke,” voiced another fan.
Echoing similar feelings, a fourth viewer stated: “Jake’s true colours racing to the surface right now.. wow! What a joke.”
Married at First Sight Australia airs Monday to Thursday on E4 at 7.30pm