TRIGGER WARNING: This article makes mention of physical violence. If you or someone you love needs support please contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732.
Despite appearing to be one of Married At First Sight’s strongest couples, Carina and Paul’s union is hanging by a thread following an explosive row over her previous relationship with a famous rapper.
While the rapper in question wasn’t specified, Carina was spotted with the Canadian chart-topper Drake in February this year and also attended his Perth concert.
In mid-February, New Idea exclusively revealed that Carina had also previously attended one of Drake’s post-NBA parties in New York at an undisclosed time.
What happened between Carina and Paul on MAFS?
After a “really good day out” with Jeff and Rhi, the two couples took a shared Uber together back to their apartments. It was there in this Uber that a song was played by the undisclosed US rapper, and Carina jokingly admitted that she had previously “slept with” them.
While everyone else in the car had a laugh at the passing comment, Paul became enraged, complaining of feeling disrespected by his wife when they walked in the door to their shared apartment.
Instantly apologising, Carina tried to comfort her upset husband to no avail, but he pushed her away asking for space. Despite giving him his own breathing room, Paul was unable to calm down and punched a door, leaving Carina in a state of disbelief.
“It escalated really quickly. I was just in shock,” the Perth-based bride shared with producers the following morning as she recounted the prior evening.
After sleeping in separate apartments, the couple met to discuss the incident the following morning, Carina comforting Paul as he cried over the shame and remorse he felt about his behaviour.
“I should have never reacted that way. I’m seriously hating myself for what I did.”
“The last thing I want is for Carina to feel unsafe around me.”
While Carina admitted that she knew “wholeheartedly” that her husband “wasn’t proud of himself” she did note that she was willing to try to work things out and later forgave him in front of the other couples at the fourth dinner party of the season.
At the following Commitment Ceremony, the experts were critical of Paul, describing his actions as “toxic, inappropriate and unacceptable” as he sobbed with regret on the couch.
“You do not punch walls. You do not punch doors. Period. Full stop. That intimates,” Alessandra ripped into him.
Despite everything, Paul was not forcibly removed from the experiment nor did Carina opt to leave when given the choice.
Are police investigating Paul’s behaviour on MAFS?
Speaking with PEDESTRIAN.TV a spokesperson for NSW Police that in the aftermath of the episode airing where Paul displayed physical violence, an investigation had commenced.
“The matter has been referred to officers from South Sydney Police Area Command, who have now commenced an investigation. As the investigation is current, police will not be making any further comment in relation to the matter.”
Sky News has also reported that Channel Nine has been asked to cooperate fully with the investigation.
“The NSW Police department escalated the request for a proper investigation and have approached Channel Nine to cooperate,” a police insider shared with the media organisation while a Nine insider confirmed that footage would likely be “seized” and participants be “approached to assist the investigation.”
What has Channel Nine said about Paul on MAFS?
In a statement released by Channel Nine and Endemol Shine via the Sydney Morning Herald, the organisations both said they took their “obligations in respect to the health and wellbeing of the participants” incredibly seriously.
“All participants have access to the show psychologist and welfare resources during filming, during broadcast, and once the program has ended.”
In an additional statement provided to the Daily Mail, Channel Nine and Endemol Shine provided further clarification as to why Paul was allowed to continue on the show.
“Our first priority at all times has been the wellbeing and safety of the participants and after extensive consultation with Carina, she wanted to remain in the experiment with Paul. We continue to provide support for Carina and Paul,” they added.
