'MAFS Funny' Podcast host has been hit with alleged legal threats after confronting ‘Married At First Sight’ Australia’s John Aiken with some hard-hitting questions.
Josh has launched his own investigation into the production of the TV show following official investigations launched into the show’s production company Endemol Shine by NSW Police earlier this month.
In an Instagram post on Sunday, Josh wrote: “I shine a spotlight on the MAFS relationship ‘experts’ and the ethical issues Dr Trisha Stratford raised before quitting in 2021.”
After claiming he’d been ignored by Channel Nine and the experts when he reached out, Josh took it upon himself to get answers straight from the horse's - John Aiken’s - mouth.
“Despite greeting me by name and with a handshake, repeatedly asking ‘what else I have’ while refusing to answer anything and then laughing and filming me from his phone as he hid in a nearby restaurant, he has since accused me, via Channel Nine, of “harassment, intimidation and being threatening”.
Josh says he strongly disputes Channel Nine and John’s allegations of threatening behaviour.
“Asking a public figure reasonable questions that are of public interest, at a time when there’s a police and government investigation into the show they’ve been the face of for 10 years, is journalism,” he added in his initial Instagram post a video of his encounter with John.
In a follow-up post, Josh shared that his interaction had made the news last night.
“The fact it has even got to this point is so stupid,” he said to the camera.
Meanwhile, in the caption, Josh added: “I dunno what’s sillier him laughing and patronising me to my face than 24 hours saying he ‘feared for his safety’ or the fact I almost suffered a wardrobe malfunction on national TV!!!”
“But also asking questions and holding people accountable is the literal definition of journalism.”
He clarified that he’s not trying to cancel MAFS, as many believe are his intentions, but he wants the show to reassess its process behind the scenes.
“Because if they don’t, given how far this season’s gone, there will be no show anymore.”
He called the allegations of threatening behaviour “a large network coming at a small creator for daring to question them on their ethics and morals”.
A number of former MAFS participants have shared their take on his investigation in the comments section, with many praising his spreading of awareness of what is going on behind the scenes and how things may need to change.
2024 bride Alyssa Barmonde wrote: “You’re doing the Lord's work. Thank you.”
“He can’t answer any questions coz he doesn’t have the producers in his earpiece telling him what to say 😭.”
‘MAFS’ 2021 villain Bryce Ruthven also chimed in: “Let's be honest.. he loves it and is happy to play along with what the producers tell him to do. This video sums up [John’s] whole demeanour towards participants.”
While last season's controversial Harrison Boon jumped in to say: “he was doing the whole elevator chat whilst walking away we see all the time on ‘A Current Affair’... The innocent ones never walk away.”
With that kind of support, it’s going to be interesting to see how the Network and production company play their cards moving forward.
Something tells me Josh won’t be backing his investigations down anytime soon.
