Former MAFS contestant: ‘Someone is going to die.’ / 7
A former Married At First Sight contestant has claimed "someone is going to die" as a result of going on the Channel 9 reality show.
Clare Verrall, who appeared on season two of MAFS in 2016, is set to reveal "the very dark side" of the TV show in an interview with Channel 7's Sunday Night this weekend.
In a teaser released by Channel 7, Verrall says: "I just wanted a love story and I thought this was that way it was going to happen. I didn't sign up to have my life completely ripped to shreds."
Married At First Sight's Jono and Clare on their wedding day. Photo / Instagram
The former reality contestant adds, "Someone is going to die. That someone was very nearly me."
Verrall was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder when she signed up for MAFS after being attacked on a street in 2015.
On the reality show she was matched with Jono Pitman, who the Herald Sun revealed was ordered to complete an anger-management course after admitting assault and recklessly causing injury to a man in a 2008 bar brawl.
"I was very disappointed that, knowing my history of PTSD after a violent attack and knowing I had joined the show earnestly trying to put myself out there to find love, the show and psychologists partnered me with someone who had known anger management issues and who has been arrested for violent behaviour," Verrall told the Herald Sun in 2016.
Clare Verrall has spoken out about the dark side of reality TV show Married At First Sight.
Verrall claims she suffered from anxiety and panic attacks after the reality show aired and tried twice to end her life.
"I have to admit, I'm so anxious for this to screen as I know I'm going to be raked over the coals again by trolls," Verrall wrote.
"I didn't say anything bad about my match Jono as he, like me was just one of their puppets. I earnestly wish him nothing but happiness.
"My beef is with @channel9 as the situation they put us both into was very damaging, particularly for me as I went on the show right after a experiencing a major trauma, resulting in me developing PTSD which they were aware of.
"I want to get the message out though that as these shows become more & more SUPER-SIZED, the absolute lack of duty of care for the cast all in the name of ratings is horrific.
"Viewers should know that as soon as the network have made their money from you, the network simply kicks you to the kerb leaving you to scramble around in the dirt, trying desperately to piece your life back together."
MAFS was another ratings hit for Channel 9 this year, but Verrall wants viewers to stop tuning into reality shows.
Clare Verrall lives in Melbourne, Victoria. Photo / Instagram
"What will it take for Australia to wake up to what we are watching & therefore supporting?" Verrall wrote. "Does someone have to die first???
"I only agreed to do this rather intimidating interview so people can get a peek behind the fake glitz into the very dark side of some 'reality TV' shows and decide if they want to continue to support having these shows like this on the air."
WHERE TO GET HELP:
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
