“They used my vulnerability!” Ex MAFS UK star Gemma Rose Barnes SLAMS producers for letting her appear on the show while battling a drink addiction
Former Married At First Sight UK contestant Gemma Rose Barnes has criticized producers for letting her appear on the show last year as she battled a drinking addiction.
The former hairdresser, 31, claimed the bosses of the E4 program “used her vulnerability” while insisting she told them about her three-year alcohol struggle before signing on.
Gemma claimed they exploited her troubled childhood for the entertainment of viewers and revealed that the experience exacerbated her drinking problems.
She said The sun of the pre-show vetting process: “I had the counseling, we discussed my childhood, which was a very negative childhood, and discussed the things leading up to my adult life.
“I was very proud to tell the counselor that I put them in a box and it was like it was someone else’s story, and she said, ‘You’re suffering from trauma.’
Furious: Former Married At First Sight British contestant Gemma Rose Barnes has criticized producers for allowing her to appear on the show while battling a drinking addiction
“I said, ‘Do you think I should go on a TV show?’ They say, “Yeah, it’ll be fine. We’ll take care of you.”
Gemma — who shares sons Ozzy, 11, and Cash, five, with a previous partner — went on to claim that the production company paired her with gymnastics athlete Matt Murray, 32, knowing they wouldn’t get along.
But she has since signed up for a 12-step program and is on her way to recovery, having spiraled out of control due to the Covid lockdowns and drinking Martini Astis at 11am.
A Channel 4 spokesperson told The Sun: ‘All individuals taking part in MAFS UK have been deemed fit to participate by an independent clinical psychologist and after being cast all contributors have the option of remaining in the process at any stage or to leave.
“Contributor care and well-being is of paramount importance and appropriate support is available for contributors before, during and after the broadcast.
“During filming, alcohol consumption is at the discretion of individuals, but is monitored and limited by the production team.
‘All episodes of MAFS UK broadcast are a fair and accurate representation of the events that took place.
“While not every contributor finds lasting love in the MAFS process, many have had a positive and enriching experience and the UK franchise has brought together couples who remain in committed relationships and build families.”
MailOnline has contacted Channel 4 for comment.
Angry: The former hairdresser, 31, claimed bosses ‘used her vulnerability’ as she insisted she told them about her alcohol struggle before signing up (pictured on the E4 show)
No game! Gemma further claimed that the production company paired her with gymnastics athlete Matt Murray, 32, knowing they wouldn’t get along
Oh no! Gemma claimed they exploited her troubled childhood for the entertainment of viewers and revealed the experience exacerbated her drinking problems