HOT WATER

MAFS groom Adrian Araouzou’s old legal troubles have come back to haunt him. Concerns are raised about show’s duty of care

Oh. My. God. The drama never ceases to rage on. Tonight, we were introduced to two new couples in the ultimate social experiment of Australia. Billy and Sierah (who we LOVE), and Adrian and Awhina. And while both weddings were super cute, there’s been a less-than-cute claim that’s resurfaced in the thick of it all.

In September, we revealed the damning claims made by The Australian against Nine and MAFS producers from Endemol Shine. The article came in response to revelations of domestic violence claims that involve the beloved groom we met tonight, Adrian Araouzou.

What are the claims?

The 31-year old faced charges including assault occasioning actual bodily harm, domestic violence common assault, and resisting police charges back in 2020. After appearing in court in 2021, he was acquitted on all counts by the magistrate.

A few days after the reported incident, his partner at the time signed a police statement. She stated that the injuries incurred had arisen from a seizure, rather than Araouzou assaulting her. While the woman did have an apparent history of seizures, police at the time were concerned she may have been “too scared to speak”. The Australian reports that her hospital records supported these concerns.

How was it all brought to light?

The allegations surfaced following a leaked email to producers from someone believed to be a friend of the woman. In the email, the acquaintance questioned the production company’s duty of care on set, and how Araouzou could be selected to be a groom in the first place. Producers since launched an internal review into the matter. Nevertheless, Araouzou firmly denied the accusations, responding with a statement through his lawyer.

“Any suggestion of physical assault is categorically denied. I had my day in court, I was found not guilty and the application for an AVO was dismissed. Any allegation otherwise is completely baseless and highly defamatory”

How do producers move forward?

The claims raise an important question: where should producers draw the line when it comes to background checks of contestants? Because while Adrian was acquitted on all charges, the complex nature of domestic violence has left some believing that Nine and Endemol Shine need to take a more conservative approach when it comes to their duty of care.

This also isn’t the first time producers have engaged with contestants who have had complicated legal scorecards, and it’s unlikely to be the last. Producers’ duty of care is an important one, but there’s always been a large grey area in the industry. Now, all that’s left is the court of public opinion to weigh on the matter.

WANT MORE MAFS?
CHECK OUT OUR SEASON 12 COVERAGE SO FAR:

BREAKING NEWS

There’s been an update to Ryan Donnelly’s ADVO application at Campbelltown Courthouse this morning…

COUPLE DEBUT

Here’s all the pics of Jacqui and Clint on their engagement weekend in Sydney

RECAP TIME

This season of MAFS has once again proven to us all straight men need therapy ASAP

DRAMA

Who went to the So Dramatic! afterparty? And are they on good terms with the rest of the cast?

CLOSE UP

Yes, Jacqui and Clint are officially engaged. And we know you’re wanting close ups of the ring

HOT PICS

We got BTS access to Daily Mail’s unofficial MAFS afterparty. Here’s what went down…

RECAP TIME

We all need a valium and Carina’s mum’s rosary beads after tonight’s MAFS reunion dinner party

DIVORCE BABES

Jacqui and Ryan have both filed for AVO’s against each other, and shit’s getting messy

JUST MARRIED (AGAIN)

Church bells might be ringing again very soon for it-couple Rhi and Jeff

THE ULTIMATE RECAP

MAFS final vows 2.0: Rumour has it that Paul is still crying in a bush