'Worried' MAFS viewers demand change after Tim's 'shallow' reaction to bride Katie

The 2025 MAFS season has well and truly kicked off and fans are already frustrated with Channel Nine's casting, asking why producers continue to pair "shallow men" alongside "strong, successful women".

The backlash came after groom Tim Gromie rejected his bride Katie Johnson after their wedding, even going so far as to physically recoil from her when she tried to hug him. After opening up to the experts about her insecurities, and explaining how an ex-boyfriend had previously body-shamed her, Katie was unaware that immediately after saying 'I do', Tim confessed to producers his preference is "petite, blondes" and that he felt "no spark" or attraction to Katie.

MAFS viewers slam Nine for casting 'shallow men'

One viewer took to Facebook to share her concerns for Katie after her wedding to Tim, writing, "I have no words for Tim seriously, and to Channel 9 I am so sick of these men being cast. Strong successful women being paired with these shallow men who don’t know how to stay in their lane absolutely infuriates me."

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"My daughter and I felt absolutely sick watching this episode," another agreed. "Katie deserved respect. Katie deserved kindness. Katie deserved a beginning, not an end before the start."

"How are these men even getting past the interview stage, I swear to god if Channel 9 does it on purpose for drama I’d be sick," a third wrote.

"Spot on all I want are genuine people who actually want to be married," someone else said.

"Yep I’m thinking of giving up watching it as I can’t watch this train wreck of a marriage. [I'm] so sad and concerned at the heartbreak and mental well-being of Katie," one viewer wrote.

"I know this show relies a lot on the drama... [but] at least try to get some proper matches with the people like Katie who are there for the right reasons and genuinely wanting to find someone," another said.

"I definitely don't think Tim was one of the types trying to increase his social media presence," someone else wrote. "I think he was just expecting someone way out of his league! I blame the producers of the show for this fail more than Tim. They would have no doubt known he had a type and that Katie didn't meet the criteria."

"I had trouble sleeping last night after watching Katie," another added. "I'm so worried about her."

MAFS fans share support for Katie

Many fans have flocked to social media to share support for Katie, who was rejected by 'husband' Tim pretty much as soon as they met.

Former MAFS star Lucinda Light wrote, "The whole of Australia is right behind you gorgeous woman. I’m so sorry this was your experience. Tim is one very disappointing person."

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"She’s too nice for this show," one user wrote, while another said, "OMG I just want to hug her."

"This woman is literally a perfect catch," a third added.

"My heart breaks for her," someone else wrote. "What an absolutely beautiful soul Katie is."

"I really hope you find your forever person, you seem like a lovely genuine soul," one person added.

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