Married At First Sight bride Morena Farina has been spotted posing for selfies in front of anti-MAFS protest posters in Melbourne’s famed Hosier Lane.
The 57-year-old wedding DJ, known for her vibrant personality on the hit reality show, was seen smiling and snapping pictures in front of graffiti-covered walls plastered with signs condemning the series as ‘toxic’ and calling for a boycott.
Her makeup featured a bronzed complexion, a soft pink lip, and faux lashes, ensuring she looked camera-ready for her impromptu photo session.
One of the posters behind her read, ‘F*** MAFS’ in large black lettering, followed by hashtags including ‘#boycottmafsnow’ and ‘#toxic’.
Another sign declared, ‘MAFS TOXIC ROLE MODELS’, reinforcing the message that the controversial reality show is harmful to participants and viewers.
Daily Mail Australia understands that Morena had been dining at a nearby pub when a fan informed her about the protest signs.
Intrigued, she rushed to the iconic laneway where she was quickly recognised by passers-by who watched as she examined the posters with a bemused expression.
In another candid moment, Morena was seen engaged in conversation with a man wearing a white short-sleeve button-up shirt and khaki shorts.
Another woman in a flowing floral dress stood nearby, seemingly also discussing the posters.
Morena appeared to be taking in the scene with curiosity, occasionally gesturing towards the graffiti while speaking with the pair.
In the photos, Morena is seen wearing a bold, brightly coloured jumpsuit in shades of pink, blue, and orange with an abstract swirl pattern.
She accessorised with a stylish beige handbag and tan suede ankle boots, while her platinum blonde hair was pulled back into a sleek high ponytail.
The reality star’s reaction to the posters has already sparked debate among MAFS fans, with some praising her for engaging with the protest, while others questioned whether she was merely taking advantage of the moment for publicity.
MAFS has been at the centre of controversy this season, with increasing backlash from viewers over its portrayal of relationships and treatment of participants.
It comes after former MAFS star Alyssa Barmonde resurfaced to slam Channel Nine’s first-ever trigger warning, which aired before a shocking dinner party.
During the episode, French groom Paul Antoine made the jaw-dropping admission he punched a hole in the door during an argument with Carina Mirabile in their apartment – sparking intense backlash from viewers.
‘This episode contains adult themes and confronting acts,’ the trigger warning read.
Josh Fox, who runs the MAFS Funny Instagram account and podcast, launched a petition on Wednesday calling for the show’s producers to reassess how they look after participants.
‘The producers are almost wiping their hands of that decision and going, “Carina, you were the victim, are you OK?”,’ Fox said.
‘That is f**ked. And I personally think it’s time we start naming and shaming the producers.’
The petition has 1200 signatures and counting.
‘Josh’s petition is a great start but it’s not going to be enough,’ Alyssa told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Something has got be done for this show to either be cancelled, or produced in a completely different, ethical way.’
The single mum from the Northern Beaches, who was matched with Duncan James on the experiment two years ago, weathered intense online trolling following her unflattering appearance on the show.
Alyssa was ‘coincidentally’ let go from her job of seven years and had to ‘flee’ the country to her native Utah after her ‘villain edit’ aired.
‘I still get trolled,’ she said.
‘I got three messages today and my season aired two years ago! It does not stop.
‘MAFS airs in Australia, then in the UK, and then in the US. Then it goes to streaming, forever.’
Domestic violence is now defined in Australia as: ‘Any behaviour that’s violent, threatening, controlling or intended to make you or your family feel scared and unsafe.’
‘Gone are the days where bruises are considered the only proof of DV,’ Alyssa continued.
‘Paul punching a wall near Carina is DV.’
Daily Mail Australia exclusively revealed that Paul had a violent outburst and punched a hole in the wall of their shared apartment after learning that bride Carina had slept with American rapper Quavo before the experiment.
Carina repeatedly apologised, trying to reassure Paul that it was just a fling, but the revelation had already sent him over the edge.
Channel Nine told Daily Mail Australia they are providing support to the couple.
‘Nine and Endemol Shine Australia has treated this matter extremely seriously,’ they said in a statement.
‘Our first priority at all times has been the wellbeing and safety of the participants and after extensive consultation with Carina, she wanted to remain in the experiment with Paul. We continue to provide support for Carina and Paul.’
Alyssa also claimed things discussed with on-set psychologists can be ‘used against participants’.
‘When you go to a psychologist on set, you’re still mic’d up, and they can use that on the couch. They do it to tick a box, but use it against you on the couch. That’s what they did to me,’ she said.
‘If you don’t think this show needs to be cancelled, then you’re an enabler for thinking: 1. This is entertainment; 2. MAFS has any sort of duty of care to participants; 3. That punching a wall out of anger isn’t violence,’ she added on her social media.
Viewers have been left divided on the issue. Some MAFS fans are calling for Paul to be removed from the experiment, or for the series to be taken off air.
Some are enraged that physical abuse is being ‘taken more seriously’ than emotional abuse, and calling for groom Adrian Araouzou to also be removed from the show.
And some are questioning why Domenica Calarco did not face the same consequences when she smashed a wine glass in 2022.
Alyssa said MAFS fans are quick to point the finger at contestants, and each other, in comment sections but that accountability ‘needs to be on production’.
‘By airing scenes like this, they are fuelling this fire. Lighting a match, letting an explosion go off, and walking away,’ she said.