MAFS' Lauren defends Jono and reveals truth behind emotional moment

lauren, married at first sight australia
MAFS star Lauren Dunn defends Jono McCulloughChannel 4

This article discusses incidents of domestic abuse.

Married at First Sight star Lauren Dunn has shared how TV husband Jono McCullough supported her when she revealed she's a survivor of domestic violence.

Lauren opened up on experiencing domestic violence in a past relationship, getting candid about it on her Instagram Stories. She also posted some screengrabs from a MAFS episode, revealing how Jono had helped her when she shared her ordeal.

"I want to address this moment on MAFS," Lauren wrote in one of her Stories.

lauren, married at first sight australia
Channel 4

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"This is when we discussed Jono messaging Ellie. I was not crying here because of that," she continued.

"I was crying after discussing how traumatised I was from my previous relationship and how I felt triggered. It's important to let everyone know that Jono knew about my situation with my ex and was very supportive. You can see the hurt and pain in my very ugly crying face lol."

Looking back on her abusive relationship, Lauren wrote: "I was subjected to years of nothing short of sheer terror and violence," and detailed the physical violence her ex inflicted on her.

lauren, jono, married at first sight australia
Channel 4

Related: MAFS star Lauren Dunn unveils dark hair transformation

"I've been out of that relationship for a while now and now that I've finally moved on, I'm being blackmailed and threatened into giving that person a second chance," she shared.

"I've been terrified of speaking out but I've had enough," she concluded.

On the show, Lauren and Jono broke up on Final Decisions day and he went on to date bride Ellie Dix, who originally was paired with Ben Walters.

If you've been affected by any of the issues raised in this story, organisations including Refuge (www.refuge.org.uk) and Women's Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) can provide further support and information. The 24-hour, freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 0808 2000 247. The US National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), or text LOVEIS to 22522.


Married at First Sight UK airs on E4 in the UK. Married at First Sight Australia airs on Nine Network in Australia and E4 in the UK.

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