Contestants claim producers instruct experts during show

Veterans of the reality show "Married At First Sight," Tahnee Cook and Selina Chhaur, have made serious allegations about the show's relationship experts. They claim the experts receive guidance from producers through hidden earpieces. In a recent episode of their podcast, the pair discussed their experiences on the show. They reported that while participating, they could hear producers speaking to the experts in real-time. Selina said many viewers are unaware of this situation, which she found unsettling. Tahnee confirmed she could hear the exact instructions given to the experts, making it difficult for her to trust their advice. She described the experience as "jarring" and noted that it impeded genuine communication. The current panel of experts, which includes John Aiken, Mel Schilling, and Alessandra Rampolla, has previously denied such claims. In 2019, they asserted that they were not directed by producers and that their role in the show is unbiased. A clinical neuropsychologist, who passed away in 2023, also refuted allegations that experts were fed lines during discussions. These claims are not new. Contestant Dean Wells, from the 2018 season, recently supported the allegations, stating that experts pause and consult their earpieces before responding to contestants' questions. He criticized this setup, suggesting it undermines their role as guides in the show.