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MAFS groom Bryce ‘speechless’ over on-screen portrayal
Controversial Married At First Sight groom Bryce Ruthven has slammed the way he's been portrayed on the Channel Nine TV show, revealing that what's been unfolding on screen has left him 'speechless'.
The 31-year-old, who is 'married' to bride Melissa Rawson, opened up in a candid message to fans on his private Facebook page following yet another string of explosive episodes.
'I am speechless'
In the post, which was captured and shared by entertainment site The Wash, Bryce thanks his fans for 'checking in' on both him and Melissa, 31.
The couple were rocked by claims made by co-star Samantha Harvey in Wednesday night's episode that Bryce's 'secret' girlfriend did, in fact, exist, despite his continual denial.
The night before, Bryce's friends told Melissa that the rumours weren't true but were later caught on camera making some suspicious comments that suggested otherwise.
"Thank you for all the messages tonight checking in to see how we're both doing, and apologies I haven't got back to anyone," the radio host wrote.
He went on to describe the way he's been edited on the program as so 'unbelievable' that it's left him 'speechless'.
"I'm not being rude but I'm sure as you can understand, seeing what is coming out on the TV show is unbelievable and I am speechless for once in my life."
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'What it's really like'
Bryce added that he was pleased that viewers were able to see what the social experiment was 'really like' for him and his 'wife'.
"It's good to see the general public can see what the experience was really like for us," he wrote.
Along with his message, Bryce also shared several screenshots of comments from social media users accusing MAFS and Channel Nine of "bullying" him.
"Channel Nine you should be ashamed!!!" read one comment. "They are ganging up and bullying Bryce. I know Bryce hasn't done right in some instances but allowing this bullying to go on is shameful and full on neglecting the wellbeing of their cast!!"
"Bryce was bullied in this show to the max!!!!" added another. "It's horrible to watch and I don't care what Bryce did no one deserves this toxic bullying!"
One viewer, however, questioned the claims, writing, "HE's being bullied!???"
Channel Nine has been contacted for comment.
MAFS petition
Earlier this week, a change.org petition titled "Make the Nine Network apologise for failing duty of care" began circulating online and has gained over 13.5k signatures so far.
The petition, which was started by a member of the public, focussed on Bryce and Melissa and alleged that their relationship was "horrible" and "triggering" for some viewers.
MAFS Network Executive Producer, John Walsh, has since responded to the allegations in a statement to B&T:
"The petition in question does not reflect the nature of Bryce and Melissa’s relationship and at no time did Endemol Shine Australia or Nine consider Bryce and Melissa’s relationship to be characterised by domestic violence or the like.
"If that had been the case we would have intervened immediately."
The reality show has previously received complaints via the Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) and potentially faces an investigation by the consumer watchdog.
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