In a dramatic turn of events following their tumultuous relationship on the reality show Married At First Sight Australia, groom Ryan Donnelly has sought legal protection from his on-screen wife, Jacqui Burfoot. The couple, who were matched in the latest season of the hit series, separated during a heated final vows ceremony, which has now led to a series of serious allegations and court appearances.
On April 23, 2025, Ryan Donnelly appeared in Campbelltown Local Court to request an Apprehended Domestic Violence Order (ADVO) against Jacqui Burfoot, accusing her of attempting to "destroy" his life through false allegations shared on social media. This legal action follows Burfoot's earlier success in securing an interim restraining order against Donnelly in Tasmania, which prevents him from discussing her online.
Ryan, 37, claims that he has suffered "a lot of harm" and received menacing messages as a result of Burfoot's public statements about him. He expressed his fears outside the courthouse, stating, "At one point, I was very afraid. An individual has tried to destroy my life, my potential for career options, collaborations... with false allegations, so men can be victims as well." He emphasized the need for justice, asserting that people should not be able to get away with lies that can significantly impact their lives.
The ADVO application, if granted, would prohibit Burfoot from publishing anything about Donnelly or his friends on social media for two years. It would also prevent her from assaulting, threatening, stalking, or intimidating him, including harming his dog, Freya. Should the order be approved, Burfoot would be barred from contacting Donnelly directly, except through her lawyer.
Burfoot, who is currently living in Tasmania with another MAFS groom, Clint Rice, did not attend the court hearing but sent an email opposing the restraining order. Magistrate Shane McAnulty indicated that he was unwilling to grant the order in her absence, and he has requested that both parties prepare submissions for a return court date set for June 24, 2025.
The accusations between the former couple have escalated significantly since their time on the show. Burfoot recently claimed that she filed a police report against Donnelly for alleged "sensitive, private, sexual content revenge." She has also accused him of being "physically threatening" during their time together on MAFS. In response, Donnelly labeled Burfoot as a "pathological/compulsive liar" on his social media.
In a particularly biting exchange during their final vows, Burfoot told Donnelly, "Ryan, in a world of red flags, you are the red carpet," to which he retorted, "Be gone with you, you horrible woman." This exchange encapsulates the acrimonious nature of their relationship, which has since spilled over into the public domain.
Ryan's legal representative, Shirin Razi from Azadi Lawyers, stated that the former groom has been subjected to numerous hateful messages from followers of Burfoot, who boasts over 100,000 followers on social media. Court documents reveal that Burfoot has publicly accused Donnelly of domestic violence and sexual harassment, claims that he vehemently denies.
Burfoot has countered these allegations, claiming that Donnelly's application for an ADVO is based on false statements. She argued that their relationship lasted only three months, contrary to Donnelly's claim of nine months, and denied any direct contact with him since their split. "This is not just a waste of court resources; it’s an ACTUAL CRIME," she stated on social media.
The ongoing legal battle highlights the intense scrutiny that reality TV stars face, particularly after their relationships are played out in front of millions. Both parties have expressed a desire to move on with their lives, yet the legal entanglements continue to complicate matters.
As the situation develops, the court will need to address the serious allegations made by both sides, and the public will be watching closely to see how this high-profile case unfolds. Ryan Donnelly hopes to find closure and protection through the legal system, while Jacqui Burfoot aims to defend her reputation and counter the claims made against her.
With their futures hanging in the balance, both Donnelly and Burfoot are left to navigate the fallout of their reality TV romance, which has turned into a contentious legal dispute. The next court date promises to bring further revelations and possibly a resolution to this dramatic saga.
