Married At First Sight groom Jack Dunkley admitted on Tuesday morning that he actually told his ex-girlfriend he was ‘going abroad’ before appearing on the show.
The 34-year-old personal trainer, who is currently working with his TV bride Tori Adams, was recently accused of dumping ex Courtney Jade to star in the series.
Although he said this isn’t the reason they broke up, Jack admitted on Today Extra that he lied to Courtney about where he was going after their breakup.
“When I originally broke up, I softened the blow a little bit,” he said, adding that he didn’t feel good just telling Courtney he wanted to go to MAFS and get married.
‘I said I had some work to do in Sydney. (Courtney) turned around and said, ‘I’m moving to Sydney. What is your boss’s number? I’m going to call him and let him know I’m coming.’
Married at First Sight groom Jack Dunkley, 34, (left) admitted on Tuesday morning that he actually told his ex-girlfriend he was ‘going abroad’ before appearing on the show
Jack added: “It was a bit of a soft blow but I had my hands tied a bit. So unfortunately I said I’m going abroad for a few months. So the door is closed.’
The reality TV star broke his silence last Thursday with claims he broke up with his ex-girlfriend to appear on the Channel Nine dating series.
Jack told Ny Breaking Australia that he didn’t end his relationship to pursue reality TV fame, and that he honestly decided to take part in the experiment to find everlasting love.
He came under fire last week when his former partner Courtney accused him of breaking up with her under the guise of a ‘work opportunity in America’, only to discover he was starring in MAFS.
He said he wasn’t surprised that Courtney spoke out, and that he was completely transparent with his TV bride Tori about his ex very early in the experiment.
The 34-year-old personal trainer, who is currently working with his TV bride Tori Adams (right), was recently accused of dumping ex Courtney Jade to star in the series
‘It wasn’t a surprise. I felt like at some point my ex was going to go rogue and probably sell something to the media,” Jack told Ny Breaking Australia.
“Tori was completely over it.
“I think I discussed it with her on day two or day three of my meeting and informed her of my last relationship and where it was and how I couldn’t get away from communication even though I didn’t respond ‘
Jack also addressed claims that he’s just a ‘f**k boy’, a term he says has haunted his journey to love.
He said his portrayal of a man looking for lasting love on the show is accurate, and that he wants to distance himself from the frivolities of his early 20s.
Although he said this isn’t the reason they broke up, Jack admitted on Today Extra that he lied to Courtney about where he was going after their breakup.
“I’m not an F-boy,” he declared vehemently.
“I told the cameras that this is not who I am and my story, my real story is actually the fact that I’m misunderstood and that’s why I thought I was struggling to find love because everyone looks at me and thinks I’m I’m not ready to settle down yet because I have this look on me and the way I’m holding myself.’
Ny Breaking Australia understands that Jack has since contacted Courtney to apologize for not being transparent and to clarify the split.
He wishes her nothing but the best for her future.
Courtney admitted last week that she felt sad watching Jack’s ‘wedding’ unfold on TV.
The reality TV star broke his silence last Thursday with claims he broke up with his ex-girlfriend to appear on the Channel Nine dating series
He said he wasn’t surprised that Courtney spoke out, and that he was completely transparent with his TV bride Tori about his ex very early in the experiment.
‘It has been a very difficult time in my life. One that I wouldn’t wish on anyone,” she told Ny Breaking Australia on Wednesday.
‘I hope this doesn’t keep happening to other people. It was a horrible experience and not something I want to talk about.”
Courtney then posted an emotionally charged statement to her Instagram Stories.
She said she was heartbroken. Jack airs dirty laundry about their breakup on the hit TV show.
“I hope everyone gets some sickening entertainment from my awful breakup on Channel Nine,” she said.
“I have no comment regarding MAFS so I would appreciate it if the media and all forms of communication would leave me alone.”
Jack also addressed claims that he’s just a ‘f**k boy’, a term he says has haunted his journey to love
“I had a hard time finding love because everyone looks at me and thinks I’m not ready to settle down yet because I have this look on me and the way I hold myself,” he said
She also revealed her ongoing personal struggles following their divorce, revealing that she was forced to take medication and regularly visited a psychologist.
“I have been seeing a therapist and receiving medication for the disgusting trauma I have experienced, and I would like to be left alone to heal,” she said.
Courtney explained that the fact that their breakup will be so public has made things a lot harder to process.
“It’s one thing to go through a breakup, but it’s another to have to relive it on national television and talk about it,” she added.
“Enjoy watching the fame hungry people ruin lives and cause nothing but pain. I am ashamed of the world we live in and absolutely shocked by my experience.”
Questioning the show’s premise, she asked, “Create love or create monsters?” before invoking respect for her privacy.
Married At First Sight continues on Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel Nine and 9Now.