Married At First Sight Australia participant Tahnee Cook, 31,told ABC’s 7.30 that a compulsory intimacy workshop left her feeling embarrassed and violated during the 2023 season.. Her account emerges while the UK edition of the show is under fire for multiple sexual assault allegations.

Feather‑Stroke Exercise During the Unbroadcast Workshop

Cook said the workshop, filmed three weeks after her mock wedding to Ollie Skelton, required her to lie on the floor while Skelton stroked a feather across her body in front of instructors and crew. She described the scene as “intensely uncomfortable and violating,” noting that the segment never aired. According to the ABC interview, she objected to being filmed and felt the task was “embarrassing.”

Costume‑Clad Sex‑Toy Presentation Added to the Pressure

During the same session,producers handed the couple a selection of sex toys, presenting them as expert advice. Cook recalled feeling exposed , especially as participants wore costumes that made the setting feel far from genuine intimacy.. The production company Nine later insisted that participation in any task is voluntary and that contestants can decline without penalty.

Link to the UK Scandal: Structural Risks Highlighted

Cook said she was “not surprised” by the UK allegations, observing that the show’s format pushes couples to accelerate emotional and physical connections. the UK version has seen two women accuse their televised husbands of rape and a third of sexual misconduct, claims the men have denied. Metropolitan Police have urged any victims to come forward, though no formal reports have been filed yet.

Production’s Defense: Autonomy and Psychological Support

In response to Cook’s revelations, Nine issued a statement emphasizing that participants retain full autonomy over their choices and that comprehensive psychological support is available during and after filming. The network also highlighted that intimacy week is one of several themed weeks designed to explore trust, romance,and physical closeness, with optional tasks ranging from eye contact to planning a date night.

Unanswered Questions About Consent Protocols

Key uncertainties remain: How are consent boundaries defined for activities like the feather‑stroke exercise, and what oversight exists to prevent coercion? Additionally, the report does not clarify whether any participants declined the workshop or if producers documented refusals. finally, it is unclear how the Australian version’s safeguards compare to those under scrutiny in the UK.