Why Property Damage on MAFS Is More Than Just Drama—It's a Red Flag for Domestic Violence

Author: Emily McLeish

Recently on season 12 episode 20 of Married at First Sight (MAFS) 2025, participant, Paul Antoine punched a wall in a rage after he discovers his ‘bride’ Carina Mirabile slept with a rapper before the show started. Following a confrontation with Carina, Paul takes his ‘frustration’ at the situation out by punching a hole through his bedroom door.

"He obviously didn't like that. I turned around and went to bed and that's when he got really angry, and he punched a wall."- Carina Mirabile 

While some might dismiss this as an act of frustration, it is a serious red flag for abusive behaviour. What’s worse is following the ordeal Paul, apologises, uncontrollably sobbing, then goes on to blame Carina stating:

“She couldn't give me my space and I just absolutely lost it... and ended up punching a hole in the wall."-Paul Antoine

MAFS contestants Paul Antoine and Carina Mirabile. Image: Channel Nine, Married at first sight, season 12, episode 20  

Research has long established that property damage such as punching walls, smashing objects, or throwing furniture are often a precursor to domestic violence (1,2,3). Experts refer to this as the ‘Graduation Hypothesis’, where these acts can serve as stepping stones toward more direct forms of violence. It creates an environment of fear and intimidation, signalling to the victim that physical aggression could soon be directed at them.

Given MAFS’ massive audience, Channel 9 has a responsibility to ensure that abusive behaviours are not framed as entertainment. The show features three relationship experts including Mel Schilling (BA in Psychology, Graduate Diploma in Psychology), sexologist Alessandra Rampolla, and relationship expert John Aiken (BA Hons, MA, Dip. Clin. Psych.). While all three condemned Paul’s actions as unacceptable, there was little closure for the audience on how the issue would be properly addressed. The lack of meaningful intervention leaves viewers questioning whether such behaviour is taken seriously beyond verbal condemnation.

Paul claimed that he had never acted this way before and assured that it would never happen again. However, this statement fails to acknowledge a critical concern: if he was capable of punching a hole in a wall on camera, in a setting surrounded by producers, what might happen when no one is watching? as previously discussed, violence against property is a well-documented warning sign of escalating aggression, and dismissing it as a one-off incident ignores the potential for future harm.

Channel 9 and the MAFS experts must go beyond simply condemning abusive behaviour, they need to adopt a zero-tolerance policy and take meaningful action. Consulting professionals specialising in domestic violence to provide proper intervention, including anger management and counselling, should be a standard response when incidents like Paul and Carina’s arise during filming. Expressing regret without addressing the root causes of aggression does nothing to prevent future harm. By failing to take decisive action, MAFS sends a dangerous message, not only to its participants but also to its millions of viewers, many of whom may be experiencing or witnessing domestic violence in their own lives.

In 2024, Australia saw the tragic loss of over 100 women to family and domestic violence. We cannot afford to stay silent. Companies like Channel 9 must be held accountable for the content they produce. It's time for reality TV to stop turning a blind eye and start leading by example.

Here at Zonta Club of Perth, we advocate for victim-survivors and support this initiative to call attention to abusive behaviour and hold institutions like Channel 9 accountable to do better. Domestic violence doesn’t start with a punch, it starts with intimidation, control, and destruction of property. It’s time for reality TV to stop normalising this cycle.

Sign the Petition:

What Were You Wearing – Australia has organised a petition calling on MAFS producers to take immediate action by implementing stronger protections, including a zero-tolerance policy for abusive behaviour.

https://www.change.org/p/mafs-11-urgent-demands-to-protect-viewers-participants-hold-channel-9-accountable

If you or someone you know has been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, help is always available. Call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.

References:

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2022). Personal Safety, Australia.

2. 2. Psychological violence report | Domestic abuse - SafeLives

3. Coccaro EF, Lee RJ. Disordered Aggression and Violence in the United States. J Clin Psychiatry. 2020 Mar 17;81(2):19m12937. doi: 10.4088/JCP.19m12937. PMID: 32220154.O’Leary, K. D. (2000). "Developmental and affective issues in assessing and treating partner aggression." Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 7(1), 3-5.