MAFS' Lauren defends Ellie in rogue social media post: 'Please stop'

The fan-favourite bride has shared a statement in support of Ellie and Jono’s relationship.

Married At First Sight’s Lauren Dunn has called for fans to stop attacking Ellie Dix after she hard-launched her relationship with Lauren’s ex-partner Jono McCullough during Sunday night’s reunion.

The episode, which was filmed in November, featured Lauren being completely blindsided when Jono and Ellie arrived at the reunion hand in hand. Ellie was also shown calling Lauren a “f**king b***h” at the dinner table - although she has since claimed this was taken out of context.

MAFS’ Ellie Dix and Lauren Dunn.
MAFS’ Lauren Dunn (right) has shared a post defending Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough’s relationship. Photos: Channel Nine

Since the episode aired, Ellie’s best friend Tahli Passeri has told Yahoo Lifestyle that Ellie has been left “extremely traumatised” and “so upset” after receiving backlash over her new romance with Jono.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It is disturbing the hate and revolting comments Ellie is receiving,” she said. “She is one of the kindest, most genuine, loyal, compassionate and loving people I know, and to see her receive so much hate and derogatory comments based on a substantially edited television show is saddening and troubling for the people in today's society.”

Yahoo Lifestyle also understands Ellie’s workplace has been copping abuse and receiving negative reviews on Google.

RELATED:

Lauren has now stepped in to defend Ellie, taking to her second Instagram profile @so.cooked while Channel Nine manages her official account to share a statement on Wednesday afternoon.

ADVERTISEMENT

“To everyone trolling and attacking Ellie at her workplace, please stop immediately. What you see on TV is only a small portion of what goes on,” she wrote on her Instagram Story.

“Regardless of what you saw on TV (filmed 6 months ago) I have no problems with Jono and Ellie and neither of them deserve to be harassed or bullied. Please can everyone let them be happy and let's all move on.”

MAFS’ Lauren Dunn's Instagram Story / Ellie Dix and Jono McCullough.
‘Please can everyone let them be happy and let's all move on.’ Photo: Channel Nine

What else has Lauren said?

While Lauren was understandably hurt by Jono and Ellie’s actions at the reunion, she has been very vocal about supporting their relationship over the past month.

The PR consultant said at Nova’s MAFS dinner party last month that she “couldn’t be happier” for the couple, who have since moved in together on the Gold Coast.

“I didn’t dodge a bullet but they’re definitely better suited. I think we could all see that a few weeks in. He’s a really nice person, he’s way too nice to me,” she said.

ADVERTISEMENT

“It’s all good now. He wasn’t cheating on me, he wasn’t trying to deliberately deceive me, but you know what it’s like in these shows. If you’re messaging another bride and the producers find out and everyone finds out, we’re gonna go in.”

SHOP:

What has Ben said?

Ellie’s on-screen partner Ben Walters has also spoken positively about her new relationship, telling Yahoo Lifestyle that while he was “a bit hurt” his ex had moved on with someone else from the cast, he was ultimately happy for them.

“I knew that I wasn't a great match for Ellie,” he shared. “When you actually look at them on paper it actually makes good sense, so I do wish them well, seriously.

ADVERTISEMENT

“You’re on there for genuine reasons, you want love, and if you found it, that's fantastic.”

Subscribe to our MAFS newsletter and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. Got a story tip? Email us now.