We’ve already seen Married At First Sight groom David Cannon call wife Hayley Vernon a “recovering drug addict” in teasers for Sunday night’s commitment ceremony.
WATCH: Hayley breaks down after David’s cruel comment
Hayley hasn’t been shy about her history of drug abuse, and has made it clear she’s unashamed of her past. But it’s no surprise that David’s words cut deep – and left the financial analyst in tears.
“I’m not my past,” she retorted, choking back tears, “and you’re saying it’s a bad thing you’ve been matched with me because of that.
“This situation has brought out the worst in me because it’s such high pressure, but for you to say ‘I’ve been matched with a recovering drug addict’? I’m a recovered drug addict,” she continued, obviously deeply hurt.
“I’m not that person anymore. I’ve done so much bloody work on myself to get to where I am today.”
After getting a stern talking-to by one of the show’s relationship experts, John Aiken, David looked rightfully embarrassed by what he’d said.
And rightly so, tbh.
But Hayley opened up even more, explaining she was hoping to use the reality TV platform to bring hope to others who struggle with addiction.
“I learnt a lot about people and a lot about the world and a lot about who I am as a person,” she explained of a history of substance abuse.
“And I’m not ashamed by that.”
“The moments that I had back then defined who I am now,” she explained. “I wouldn’t take that back.”
“A lot of Australian families are dealing with the same thing, and if I can come on here through MAFS and someone can see the situation – my Port Melbourne house, that I’m a finance broker, that I’ve got my s–t together – and they’ve got hope too, then it’s all well and good.”
Cue applause form her fellow MAFS participants – and a big ol’ plate of humble pie for David.
It comes after the controversial bride tried to get affectionate with David at the first dinner party of the season, despite their being at odds.
“He’s not what I would usually go for, but he’s a good egg,” she said in a piece to camera before taking him away for a chat.
“He’s actually a really good dude.”
But when she put the moves on him, David wasn’t feeling it.
“I’m very surprised that she was being so affectionate,” he revealed.
“It made me really uncomfortable because I’m not there now.”
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