Married At First Sight viewers turned on Josh Pihlak when he allowed his mother to berate Cathy Evans, despite promising he’d have her back if their get together turned south.
WATCH: Josh exposes Nine Network and producers in savage Instagram rant
Copping backlash for the nasty treatment of his television bride along with his Facebook spray hours after the episode aired has now resulted in the groom lifting the lid on more brutal details about what went on when the cameras weren’t rolling.
In an emotional Instagram post, Josh opened up about his family receiving death threats, blaming MAFS showrunners for his “gaslighting” portrayal knowing full well speaking out against the network comes with dire consequences.
“We are not meant to be using our social media and we’re meant to keep it hush-hush, but sometimes it is better to speak out. I knew going into this that it’d be highly edited, I was sweet with that. But watching back last night, what transpired and what actually happened is an absolute joke.”
The Newcastle tradie continued: “I have always put my hand up when I have done something wrong but what really transpired at that lunch yesterday was a crock of sh*t. My main concern is the hate to my mum and little brother… It’s absolutely ridiculous.”
Josh went on to urge fans of the unconventional dating series or those desperate to seek fame on a reality show to “seriously think” about the repercussions that come inevitably with appearing on our screens.
“I just can’t stress enough to people who are thinking about trying out for this show… have a good hard think because when you sign that contract, any footage and audio can be spliced and cut up however they choose. It says in the fine print, ‘you may or may not be received in a positive light’ and me being naive, I thought, why not? It is so disappointing to see how they made that come across and how much they left out.”
“I will cop the slack but it’s not fair that my mum is copping it when it’s not true. I was happy with getting a bad edit, but when it gets personal like that and everyone’s receiving death threats, it’s a joke.”
In a bold and truly daring move, many of Josh’s co-stars rallied around him, praising him for speaking out.
“So proud of you,” Natasha Spencer wrote.
“I am beyond proud of you! Well done for staying true to yourself. You were only honest and genuine through the whole process and I am so sorry that this happened to you… to most of us,” bride Connie Crayden wrote. “Seriously, to anyone even thinking about applying for next season, really take into consideration what you’re actually signing up for.”
The most controversial bride of them all, Stacey Hampton, also weighed in, sending a direct message to the nasty users who have been trolling him and his family online.
“Love you, Josh. We all know how genuine you are and NO ONE deserves death threats. Speaks volumes of the audience we attracted. Disgusting and need to look in the mirror when they speak.”
Former MAFS contestant Lauren Huntress— who was matched with a virgin— said: “I’m so proud of you for doing this Joshy! I know it must be hard for your family right now too but just remember that they know who you really are and the viewers with half a brain can see how highly edited this show is. People who send death threats to someone they have never met are obviously very unhappy with their own lives so try not to take it personally.”
After confirming MAFS showrunners removed his Instagram “blue tick” after speaking out, he said he’s fully prepared to be slapped with a lawsuit.
“I’m getting sued for sure. Jesus, can’t wait for ’em to take my 2001 Subaru Impreza with three bald tyres and the finances I haven’t paid off.”
His scarily honest attack on the show’s devious producers comes less than 24 hours after he, along with his mum, tore into Nine Network for editing random scenes together to make Cathy look like the victim.
“What a terrible edit, f**k it I’m calling mum,” Josh wrote on Facebook. “F**k me dead on a Devon sandwich left out the entitled lunch and I had the old hugs and kisses back. MAFS f***ed me in the backside.”
“Actress from hell,” Mandy commented after Josh vented about their disastrous homestays.
“We did well to keep our gobs shut until now! Cathy is playing a victim! The tears, definitely trying to get on Home and Away. She’s playing her role well, sort of,” one of their family members added.
After a MAFS viewer commented “we now know they break up for good”, Mandy responded: “She was a paid actress hunny, employed by producers.”
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