Married At First Sight Australia Expert Under Scrutiny Following Contestant Complaint
John Aiken, a seasoned relationship expert on Channel Nine’s hit reality show Married At First Sight Australia, is set to undergo counselling following a complaint lodged by a former participant. Aiken, 55, has been a fixture on the program since its inception in 2015, providing his professional insights alongside panellists Alessandra Rampolla and the late Mel Schilling across its 13 seasons.
Renowned for his direct approach, Aiken has built a reputation on the show for delivering “hard-hitting feedback,” identifying and addressing “toxic patterns of behaviour,” and holding couples accountable for their marital decisions. The very premise of Married At First Sight sees couples meeting for the first time at the altar, embarking on a journey to navigate the complexities of marriage with the ultimate goal of determining their long-term compatibility.
However, the spotlight has now turned to Aiken himself, with revelations that he will be undertaking counselling in relation to the Code of Conduct established by the Psychology Board of Australia. This development stems from a formal complaint filed in April of last year.
The complaint was brought forward by Ben Walters, a contestant from the 2024 season who was paired with bride Ellie Dix. Walters has publicly voiced his discontent with his experience on the show, and reports indicate that his grievance specifically targets Aiken’s conduct and demeanour towards the participants.
Walters reportedly stated, “I am troubled by aspects of his on-screen behaviour and commentary, which I believe may constitute a breach of his ethical obligations as a registered psychologist during my experience with him in 2023 after four sessions with the man.” This concern highlights a perceived tension between Aiken’s role as a reality television personality and his professional standing as a registered psychologist.
This is not the first time Aiken’s professional conduct has faced scrutiny. An investigation by the Council in 2017 resulted in restrictions being placed on his ability to refer to himself as a psychologist or practice psychology on the show. Despite these past measures, Walters contends in his complaint that Aiken continues to “provide commentary and advice in a manner that draws upon his professional background and expertise, significantly influencing public perceptions.”
Walters further elaborated that his participation in a program seemingly driven by “drama and conflict” might be at odds with several core principles outlined in the Australian Psychological Society (APS) Code of Ethics (2007), which has been adopted by the Psychology Board of Australia.
The Psychology Board of New South Wales has confirmed that, “subject to counselling, the Council agreed to close the complaint” after its review in December. In their statement, the Board added a caveat: “However, the Council will keep a record of your complaint on file, and will consider it if it receives further complaints about the health, conduct or performance of Mr Aiken.”
Ben Walters ultimately departed the Married At First Sight experiment midway through his season. His interactions with Ellie Dix during their time on the show also drew significant criticism from viewers.
Last year, Walters appeared on the So Dramatic! podcast, where he detailed his profound dissatisfaction with his time on the program and the way he felt he was portrayed. During the interview, he alleged that his ADHD was a subject of mockery by producers and that he was pushed to the point of walking out of an interview.
Representatives for Channel Nine and John Aiken have been approached for comment regarding these developments.
Key Points Regarding John Aiken’s Situation:
- Nature of Complaint: A former Married At First Sight Australia contestant has lodged a complaint concerning Aiken’s behaviour and attitude towards participants.
- Expert’s Role: John Aiken is a relationship expert on the show, known for his direct feedback.
- Psychology Board Involvement: The complaint has led to Aiken being required to undergo counselling under the Psychology Board of Australia’s Code of Conduct.
- Previous Scrutiny: Aiken faced a similar investigation in 2017, which led to restrictions on his professional portrayal on the show.
- Contestant’s Allegations: Ben Walters claims Aiken’s on-screen commentary may breach his ethical obligations as a registered psychologist, especially given the show’s focus on drama.
- Resolution: The Psychology Board has agreed to close the complaint, contingent on Aiken completing the counselling, but will retain a record for future reference.
- Walters’ Experience: Beyond the complaint, Walters has also spoken about his personal negative experiences on the show, including alleged mockery of his ADHD.
