Plibersek accuses Mafs of platforming ‘coercive control’ after contestant wanted a woman ‘obedient’ like a dog

The Guardian World

by Amanda Meade Media correspondent

March 4, 2026

Social services minister Tanya Plibersek criticises hit reality TV show Married at First Sight for ‘messaging which encourages control and dehumanises women’ Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free weekly media newsletter here Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast The social services minister, Tanya Plibersek, has accused Australia’s biggest media company, Nine Entertainment, of “normalising” coercive control by airing an exchange in which a Married at First Sight contestant says he wants a woman to be obedient like a dog. Plibersek urged parents not to let their children watch the “dangerous” reality TV juggernaut, which regularly attracts more than 2 million viewers on broadcast television alone. Sign up to get Guardian Australia’s weekly media diary as a free newsletter Continue reading...

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Originally published on The Guardian World on 3/4/2026