Despite being one of the most loved contestants on this season of Married at First Sight, Michael Brunelli says that since appearing on the small screen, he’s received a “truckload” of hate online.
Determined to show his legion of followers that they’re not alone, on Sunday the primary school teacher took to Instagram to share his story, encouraging fans to “cut out” bullies from their life.
“This is a message for any boy, any teenager and any grown man,” Michael began. “If you wanna have a little bit of fun and put on some makeup, if you wanna paint your toenails or paint your partners toenails, you wanna wear a pink bathrobe, dress something that’s a little bit out there or flamboyant, or style your hair a little bit differently— then go and do it.”
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Since the show aired, the 27-year-old told his fans he’s been trolled for experimenting with his appearance, with many bashing him for his unique style.
“Understand that I went on national television and I did whatever I wanted, I expressed myself and I’ve copped a truckload of hate for it. All through my DMs,” he said.
Despite the hurtful comments, Michael says online hate won’t stop him from expressing himself.
“And you know what? That goes for any woman as well. Don’t conform. Do whatever makes you happy. If you’re in a position where people are bullying you and hating on you… cut them out of your life,” he said.
His heartfelt and poignant message comes weeks after Michael received flak for defending his wife Martha Kalifatidis when she poured a glass of wine over Cyrell Paule’s head at the explosive reunion.
“I’m going to back her until the cows come home,” he said before telling his co-stars she made a “poor decision” which was “emotionally driven”.